Judith

The Catholic Media Association First Place Award for Scripture – Academic Studies was given to a commentary on the book of Judith that explores gender ideologies through a feminist lens, informed by critical masculinity studies, queer theory, and reception criticism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2022
Publisher: Liturgical Press

The Catholic Media Association First Place Award for Scripture – Academic Studies was presented to the book "Judith: A Comprehensive Examination of Gender Ideologies in the Book of Judith" at the 2023 Catholic Media Association Conference. The book offers a comprehensive examination of gender ideologies in the book of Judith, from the hyper-masculine machinations of war and empire to the dynamics of class in Judith's relationship with her enslaved handmaid. The commentary investigates the book of Judith through a feminist lens, informed by critical masculinity studies, queer theory, and reception criticism.

The striking scene of Judith cutting off Holoferness' head with his own sword in his own bed has inspired the imaginations of readers for millennia. However, there is more to her story than just this climactic act and more to her character than just beauty and violence. This volume offers a comprehensive examination of gender ideologies in the book of Judith, from the hyper-masculine machinations of war and empire to the dynamics of class in Judith's relationship with her enslaved handmaid.

The commentary investigates the book of Judith through a feminist lens, informed by critical masculinity studies, queer theory, and reception criticism. It explores the ways in which gender ideologies are constructed and reinforced in the text, and how they impact the characters and the narrative.

One of the key themes of the commentary is the hyper-masculine machinations of war and empire. The book of Judith is set in a time of great conflict, and the characters are often portrayed as hyper-masculine warriors. This portrayal is often seen as a reflection of the patriarchal society in which the book was written. The commentary argues that this portrayal is harmful to women and that it perpetuates gender stereotypes.

The commentary also explores the dynamics of class in Judith's relationship with her enslaved handmaid. The handmaid is a lower-class woman who is forced to serve Judith. The commentary argues that the handmaid's relationship with Judith is a complex one, and that it is shaped by the dynamics of class. The handmaid is often treated with disrespect and cruelty, and she is often forced to perform tasks that are demeaning and degrading.

The commentary also examines the ways in which gender ideologies are constructed and reinforced in the text. The text is filled with examples of gendered language and imagery, and the commentary argues that these examples are harmful to women. For example, the text often refers to women as "******" and "sluts," and it often depicts women as being weak and vulnerable.

The commentary also argues that the book of Judith is a valuable resource for feminist theology. Feminist theology is a branch of theology that focuses on the experiences of women and the ways in which gender ideologies impact those experiences. The commentary argues that the book of Judith provides a unique perspective on the experiences of women and that it can be used to challenge and transform gender ideologies.

In conclusion, the Catholic Media Association First Place Award for Scripture – Academic Studies was presented to the book "Judith: A Comprehensive Examination of Gender Ideologies in the Book of Judith" at the 2023 Catholic Media Association Conference. The book offers a comprehensive examination of gender ideologies in the book of Judith, from the hyper-masculine machinations of war and empire to the dynamics of class in Judith's relationship with her enslaved handmaid. The commentary investigates the book of Judith through a feminist lens, informed by critical masculinity studies, queer theory, and reception criticism. The commentary argues that the book of Judith is a valuable resource for feminist theology and that it can be used to challenge and transform gender ideologies.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780814681152