Combining insights from social and literary theory as well as traditional historical studies, Mark Brett argues that the first book of the Bible can be read as resistance literature.
Placing the theological text firmly within its socio-political context, he shows that the editors of Genesis were directly engaged with contemporary issues, especially the nature of an authentic community, and that the book was designed to undermine the ethnocentism of the imperial governors of the Persian period (fifth century BCE).

Combining insights from social and literary theory as well as traditional historical studies, Mark Brett argues that the first book of the Bible can be read as resistance literature.
Placing the theological text firmly within its socio-political context, he shows that the editors of Genesis were directly engaged with contemporary issues, especially the nature of an authentic community, and that the book was designed to undermine the ethnocentism of the imperial governors of the Persian period (fifth century BCE).

The author of this book suggests that Old Testament scholars should strengthen their growing links with neighboring disciplines and encourage a plurality of interpretative interests within Biblical studies. Given such a pluralistic context, Dr. Brett's contention is that the new "canonical" approach to Old Testament study will have a distinctive contribution to make to the discipline without necessarily displacing, as many scholars have assumed, other traditions of historical, social scientific, and literary inquiry. The book offers a comprehensive critique of the canonical approach as...

The author of this book suggests that Old Testament scholars should strengthen their growing links with neighboring disciplines and encourage a plurality of interpretative interests within Biblical studies. Given such a pluralistic context, Dr. Brett's contention is that the new "canonical" approach to Old Testament study will have a distinctive contribution to make to the discipline without necessarily displacing, as many scholars have assumed, other traditions of historical, social scientific, and literary inquiry. The book offers a comprehensive critique of the canonical approach as...

How can Scripture address the crucial justice issues of our time? In this book Mark Brett offers a careful reading of biblical texts that speak to such pressing public issues as the legacies of colonialism, the demands of asylum seekers, the challenges of climate change, and the shaping of redemptive economies.

Brett argues that the Hebrew Bible can be read as a series of reflections on political trauma and healing -- the long saga of successive ancient empires violently asserting their sovereignty over Israel and of the Israelites forced to live out new pathways toward...