Polyamory and Reading the Book of Ruth

Polyamory and Reading the Book of Ruth challenges the traditional view of the Book of Ruth as a love story and proposes a polyamorous hermeneutic to interpret the text. The book explores how a triadic basis for examining the relationships in the Book of Ruth can provide a new understanding of the text.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Based on a straightforward premise, Polyamory and Reading the Book of Ruth explore a different kind of love story than the typical modern rom-{URL}. Many people are taught to read romance novels as ending in happily married, dyadic couplings, most frequently heterosexual. But what if that's not how to read the Book of Ruth?

This book proposes a polyamorous hermeneutic and investigates how it might be useful in interpreting the Book of Ruth. Drawing on advancements in both feminist and queer biblical studies, Deborah Kahn-Harris provides a close textual reading that emphasizes a triadic basis for analyzing the relationships in the Book of Ruth. The book concludes with a contemporary 'targumic reimagining of the Book of Ruth that defines this polyamorous reading more clearly.

The Book of Ruth is often interpreted as a love story between a Jewish woman and a Moabite man, but this interpretation may be too narrow. The book portrays a complex web of relationships, including those between Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Kahn-Harris argues that the book can be read as a polyamorous story, in which Ruth and Naomi form a triad with Boaz. This interpretation suggests that the book is not just about love and marriage, but also about power and inheritance.

Kahn-Harris' reading of the book emphasizes the importance of gender and sexuality in the relationships between the characters. She argues that the book challenges traditional gender roles and explores the possibility of same-sex relationships. This interpretation is particularly relevant in today's society, where discussions about gender and sexuality are becoming more prevalent.

In addition to her interpretation of the book, Kahn-Harris offers a contemporary 'targumic reimagining of the Book of Ruth. This reimagining defines more clearly this polyamorous reading and offers a new perspective on the story. The book closes with a call to action, urging readers to consider the implications of this polyamorous reading for their own lives and relationships.

Overall, Polyamory and Reading the Book of Ruth is a thought-provoking and engaging book that offers a new way of interpreting the Book of Ruth. It challenges traditional interpretations of the story and offers a fresh perspective on gender, sexuality, and power. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in biblical studies, gender studies, or queer studies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666932096