Biblical Portraits of Exile - A Philosophical Reading

Exile constitutes one of the most central experiences in the Bible, notably in the book of Genesis. The question has rarely been asked however as to why exile plays such an important role in the lives of Biblical characters. Biblical Portraits of Exile proposes a philosophical reading largely inspired by the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas of the experience of exile in the book of Genesis. Focusing on the 8 central figures of exile Adam, Eve, Cain, the sons of Shem, Abraham, Rebekah, Jacob and the sons of Levy the book draws out the ethical and redemptive implications of exile and thereby paves the way for a renewed description of the human subject, one that situates ethics at its very core.

List of contents

Introduction

1 Eve: the undoing of a woman

2 Adam: the expulsion from Paradise

3 Cain: the exile east of Eden

4 Shem: the temptation of sedentarization

5 Abraham: the return to Eden

6 Rebekah: the journey of womanhood

7 Jacob: the exclusion from the birthright

8 Levi: the priestly calling of exile

Conclusion

About the author

Abi Doukhan is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Queens College, New York City, and holds the Pearl and Nathan Halegua Family Initiative in Ethics and Tolerance Chair. She holds a Masters in philosophy from the Sorbonne and a PhD in philosophy from Nanterre University in Paris, France.

Summary

Exile constitutes one of the most central experiences in the Bible, notably in the book of Genesis. The question has rarely been asked however as to why exile plays such an important role in the lives of Biblical characters. Biblical Portraits of Exile proposes a philosophical reading largely inspired by the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas

Product details

• Authors: Abi Doukhan, Doukhan Abi
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 12.12.2019
• EAN: 9780367881542
• ISBN: 978-0-367-88154-2
• No. of pages: 156
• Series: Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; PHILOSOPHY / Religious, HISTORY / Ancient / General, RELIGION / Philosophy, RELIGION / Christianity / General, Christianity, Religion & beliefs, Ancient History, Philosophy of religion, Ancient history: to c 500 CE, Religion and beliefs