Yahweh the Patriarch: Ancient Images of God and Feminist Theology

Yahweh the Patriarch: Ancient Images of God and Feminist Theology

Israel’s conceptions of God changed, argues Gerstenberger, over the millennium witnessed in Hebrew Scriptures. Contrary to widespread opinion, the author shows that historical and biblical evidence points to an active early participation of women in cultic life, especially in the domestic realm when, in the sixth century, the status of women underwent a change. Social upheaval, political and economic stress, and the growing influence of priestly circles converged to redefine God in male terms. This book explores the religious role of women in these different periods and social organizations. How did women lose a strong position in Israelite house cult, as attested in Scriptures and through archaeological findings? Why did Yahweh, who once had a consort, Asherah, turn into a lone and militantly male deity? "These questions are of central concern to anyone interested in women in religion, both monotheistic and nonmonotheistic." --Esther Fuchs, University of Arizona "This book takes seriously the feminist critiques of patriarchal religion as well as the claims of the Bible upon the church. Seeking no easy compromise, it wrestles with the ancient text in its own setting and in the contemporary world. Sound and compassionate scholarship then argues for a liberating monotheism. Students, pastors, and lay readers will find here abundant resources for reflection." --Phyllis Trible, Union Theological Seminary