This book meticulously addresses the issue of `Feminist/Womanist Identities' &
`Biblical Hermeneutics'; and there mutual impact on each other. The author picks up
constructed identity of two women in the biblical narrative, to analyse it from the prism
of women's identity formation, which in this case is a pure patriarchal construction. The
story of the book of Esther is: the `vamp' - Vashti, versus the `ideal' - Esther. The book
of Esther is a vivid reflection of the inter-play of the dominant patriarchal ideology
that was and is prevalent in every society. Such biblical texts have been often `misused'
for enforcing inferior and submissive roles to women both in the society and church.
However, a re-reading of the biblical accounts from the feminist/womanist perspective
helps in uncovering the different roles and contributions women have made in the Bible,
which will empower the women today to break away from the clutches of patriarchal
oppressions.
The book is a humble attempt to understand the story of the Vashti and Esther in the
Book of Esther, without any `patriarchal' bias; to bring forward the true identity of
Vashti and Esther; and to seek in depth the contribution of women in terms of the various
roles they played in the society of their own times; and subsequently, to examine how
these reinterpretations will enable a broader understanding of women in the society today.
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Feminist Reading of the Bible
2. The Historical, Political, and Social Background of the Book of Esther
3. The Search for the Hidden Identity of Vashti and Esther : An Exegetical Study
4. Socio-Cultural Constructions of Women's Body : Its Implications for Re-Reading the
Identity of Vashti and Esther in Today's Context
Conclusion
Bibliography
Dr. Atula Ao (Tsuedir) is from the Ao-Baptist Church of Nagaland and a
native of Mokokchung, Nagaland. She did her theological education under the Senate of
Serampore College (University), and holds a Doctorate in Old Testament studies for her
research on - "Towards a Renewed Understanding of Health in Light of the Concept of
Rapha, Shalom, and Marpe with Reference to Select Passages in the Prophetic Oracles of
Hosea, Isaiah and Jeremiah."
Earlier she served as a theological educator in Nagaland, Karnataka (Bangarpet and
Bangalore), and Visakhapatnam. Currently she is an Associate Professor in the Department
of Old Testament at Allahabad Bible Seminary (Serampore University), Allahabad.
She also serves in the Executive Committee of Society for Biblical Studies in India
(SBSI) as the Treasurer. She has contributed immensely through her writings in many
journals and books published both nationally and internationally. She is married to Dr.
Samuel George from Jammu & Kashmir, a Professor of Christian Theology.
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