Paul And The Gentile Women: Reframing Galatians - Hardcover

Wiley, Tatha

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 082641706X ISBN 13: 9780826417060

Publisher: Continuum Intl Pub Group, 2005

Synopsis

For hundreds of years, Paul’s letter to the Galatians has been a flashpoint of controversy among Christians. Why did Paul write the letter, and what was at issue in the controversy over Torah observance, particularly male circumcision? Has the letter with its classic contrast of faith in Christ and works of the law served to divide Jews from Christians and Christians from one other? Radically reframing the debate, Tatha Wiley’s fresh approach decisively shifts the Galatian question to focus on the social consequences of Paul’s bitter disagreement with the circumcision preachers and specifically the implications of the dispute for Gentile women in the community. Wiley maintains that Paul’s argument of equality in Christ was directed to and for the situation of women, whose newly won status was jeopardized by the preaching of Paul’s opponents. By looking at the issue of circumcision from the angle of the Gentile women of Galatia, Wiley cuts to the core concerns of the dispute: gender privilege, religious authority, and the life-changing implications of Christian commitment.

About this title

About the Author:

Tatha Wiley teaches at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is the author of Thinking Christ and Paul and the Gentile Women.

Review:

“Brilliant! It is a real example of what can be done by looking at something looked at so many times before, but now from a new point of view." —Carolyn Osiek, Brite Divinity School (Carolyn Osiek)

“I am convinced that Wiley has identified a heretofore unexplored aspect of this familiar Pauline letter: namely, the effect on Gentile women converts over the need for/against circumcision for Gentile male converts. She explores this question with great skill and attends to the historical, the sociological, the theological and exegetical dimensions of this question. Her writing is sharp and clear and she commands a great array of essential and relevant secondary literature. Her thesis is absolutely on target: that the issue had ecclesiological implications for Paul that went to the heart of the relationship between men and women in the Christian assembly.” (Barbara Bowe, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago)

“Wiley here shows how a scholar coming to a text with a modern interpretative approach can draw out new and relevant insights. She brings to Galatians the new perspective of contemporary Pauline scholars...interesting and well-researched book.” –Library Journal, 3/15/05

“Tatha Wiley’s objective is an essential contribution to the modern-day discussion of the Letter to the Galatians, developed from a perspective neglected for too long. Her style is vivid and concise, which turns the book into an easy read, even if what she has to say is of heavy weight and significance. Not only did I enjoy reading this book very much, but I will reconsider my own view of Paul’s attitude toward women and the possible perspectives to interpret Galatians anew.” – RBL, September 2005 (Review of Biblical Literature)

“...Wiley’s thesis has much to commend it. She appeals to a good balance of Jewish and Christian scholars for her insights. She has opened up a significant new lens for looking at one of the more controversial of Paul’s writings. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above.” – ChoiceReviews.org, October 2005 (CHOICE)

"Although this is ascholarly work, it is readable and could be useful for serious lay students ofthe Bible. Recommended for church libraries that buy heavily in Bible studyaids." — Church and Synagogue LibraryAssociation, Nov/Dec 2005
(Church and Synagogue Libraries)

"Tatha Wiley has written a concise, insightful, and convincing book that explores a hitherto largely ignored aspect of Paul's argument in Galatians....this is a thought-provoking and solidly argued book that offers a very fresh reading of Galatians. In addition, her argument models a fruitful way of excavating what is below the surface of a text that could be applied to other issues in the church and society. This book will be useful reading for preachers, biblical scholars, and interested lay people." — Interpretation, January 2006 (Interpretation)

“Brilliant! It is a real example of what can be done by looking at something looked at so many times before, but now from a new point of view." —Carolyn Osiek, Brite Divinity School (,)

“Although this is ascholarly work, it is readable and could be useful for serious lay students ofthe Bible. Recommended for church libraries that buy heavily in Bible studyaids.” – Church and Synagogue LibraryAssociation, Nov/Dec 2005
(Church and Synagogue Libraries)

“Tatha Wiley has written a concise, insightful, and convincing book that explores a hitherto largely ignored aspect of Paul’s argument in Galatians....this is a thought-provoking and solidly argued book that offers a very fresh reading of Galatians. In addition, her argument models a fruitful way of excavating what is below the surface of a text that could be applied to other issues in the church and society. This book will be useful reading for preachers, biblical scholars, and interested lay people.” – Interpretation, January 2006 (Interpretation)

About this edition

• Publisher: Continuum Intl Pub Group
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 082641706X
• ISBN 13: 9780826417060
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 168