Contested Masculinities: Polysemy and Gender in 1 Thessalonians

In Contested Masculinities, the author emphasizes the importance of critical consciousness and attentiveness to the interplay of the biblical text, context, and long histories of interpretation in constructing masculinities. By re-reading 1 Thessalonians in the context of postcolonial, post-apartheid South Africa, the author seeks to recontextualize Paul and provide a nuanced understanding of his letters' authority. The author challenges attempts to frame the biblical text or notions of masculinity as singular and universal, arguing that they perpetuate binary formulations and reinforce hierarchies of power. The book offers a refreshing account that is playful, open, and porous, particularly as a conversational piece for masculinity, both ancient and contemporary.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In his book "Contested Masculinities," the author emphasizes the significance of critical consciousness and the intricate interplay between the biblical text, its context, and the extensive and complex histories of interpretation that shape the construction of masculinities. By situating his interpretation of 1 Thessalonians within the rich tapestry of a postcolonial, post-apartheid South Africa, the author aims to recontextualize Paul, offering a nuanced understanding of how his letters exert authority over both the church and the academy. The author argues that attempts to present the biblical text or notions of masculinity as singular and universal perpetuate and reinforce binary formulations such as church/academy, global north/global south, colonizer/colonized, and male/female, thereby reinforcing hierarchies of power.

To challenge these prevailing narratives, the author re-reads 1 Thessalonians, applying a postcolonial and gender-critical lens to the biblical text. Through this lens, he reveals the fissures that emerge, offering a refreshing and playful account that is open, porous, and conducive to engaging conversations about masculinity, both in ancient and contemporary contexts. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and individuals interested in exploring the complexities of gender and religion.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793602862