Thinking Sex With the Great Whore - Deviant Sexualities and Empire in the Book of Revelation

Many scholars in Biblical and Revelation studies have written at length about the imperial and patriarchal implications of the figure of the Whore of Babylon. However, much of the focus has been on the links to the Roman Empire and ancient attitudes towards gender. This book adds another layer to the conversation around this evocative figure by pursuing an ideological critique of the Great Whore that takes into account contemporary understandings of sexuality, and in so doing advances a de-moralization of apparent sexual deviancy both in the present and in the past.

Offering an emancipatory reading of Revelation 17-18 using Foucauldian, postcolonial and queer historiographies, this study sets out alternative paths for identity construction in Biblical texts. By using these alternative critical lenses, the author argues that the common neglect of the ethical and political impact of Biblical texts in the present can be overcome. This, in turn, allows for fresh reflection on the study of the Bible and its implications for progressive politics.

Situated at the intersection of Revelation Studies, Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics, as well as Contextual/Liberationist Theologies and Queer and Postcolonial Criticism, this is a cutting edge study that will be of keen interest to scholars of Theology and Religious Studies.

List of contents

1 Thinking Resistance in the Age of Empire: Ethical Evaluations of the Apocalypse of John 2 Thinking Apocalyptic Resistance in the Age of Empire 3 Thinking Sex with the Whore of Revelation 4 Thinking Sex with the Whore in the Present 5 Conclusion: Manifesting Revelation among the Manifestos

About the author

Luis Menéndez-Antuña is Assistant Professor of New Testament at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and at the Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley, California). His interests revolve around Postcolonial, Critical Race and Queer Theories as well as Liberation Hermeneutics. He has published peer-reviewed contributions both in Spanish (Theologica Xaveriana, Revista de Ciencias de Religiones) and in English (Biblical Interpretation, Journal of Religious Ethics, Early Christianity, Critical Research on Religion).

Summary

Offering an emancipatory reading of Revelation 17-18 using Foucauldian, postcolonial and queer historiographies, this study uses the Great Whore of Babylon to set out alternative paths for identity construction in Biblical texts.

Product details

• Authors: Luis Menendez-Antuna, Luis (Pacific Lutheran Theologica Menendez-Antuna, Luis Menéndez-Antuña
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.08.2020
• EAN: 9780367591526
• ISBN: 978-0-367-59152-6
• No. of pages: 134
• Series: Routledge Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biblical Criticism
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Practical theology; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; RELIGION / General, RELIGION / Theology, RELIGION / Christian Theology / Liberation, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / History & Culture, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / General, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / Prophecy, RELIGION / Sexuality & Gender Studies, Sociology: sexual relations, Sex and sexuality, social aspects, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, RELIGION / Biblical Commentary / New Testament / General, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / New Testament / General, New Testaments, Biblical Studies & Exegesis