Masculinities in the Gospel of Matthew: Joseph, John, Peter, and Judas

Kendra A. Mohn examines the masculinity of four figures in the Gospel of Matthew in light of ancient understandings of masculinity exemplified by Roman emperors and emulated by figures such as Herod the Great and Herod Antipas. She argues that the nonelites negotiated ancient expectations of masculinity in a variety of ways that both subverted and upheld Roman imperial ideals, which has important implications for the understanding of critical concepts such as discipleship and leadership.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In her book "Masculinities in the Gospel of Matthew: Joseph, John, Peter, and Judas," Kendra A. Mohn delves into the masculinity of four figures in the Gospel of Matthew, exploring how they align with ancient notions of masculinity as exemplified by Roman emperors and emulated by figures like Herod the Great and Herod Antipas. Mohn employs three criteria commonly associated with elite Roman expressions of masculinity: wealth, divine service, and dominant control over oneself and others. By examining these criteria through the lens of the New Testament texts, Mohn argues that the nonelites portrayed in these texts negotiated ancient expectations of masculinity in diverse ways, both challenging and reinforcing Roman imperial ideals.

This response to dominant masculinity, characterized by hegemony, holds significant implications for understanding critical concepts such as discipleship and leadership, as well as the expectations for masculinity expressed in contemporary religious contexts.

Mohn's study sheds light on the complex interplay between gender, power, and religion in the Gospel of Matthew and contributes to our understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which these narratives were produced. By examining the masculinity of these four figures, Mohn offers valuable insights into the ways in which gender norms and expectations have evolved over time and the ways in which religious texts can both challenge and perpetuate these norms.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978709485