Ethics of Biblical Interpretation: A Reevaluation

by Daniel Patte

Daniel Patte argues here that when male European-American scholars interpret the Bible to produce a universally legitimate reading, they silence the Bible itself. Their reading practices exclude feminist, African American, and other so-called "minority" readings, as well as the interpretations of conservative and liberal laity. He further claims that ethical accountability requires recognizing that all exegesis consists of bringing critical understanding to ordinary readings, especially faith interpretations. Patte concludes that biblical studies must affirm the legitimacy of diverse ordinary readings and lead to an open discussion of the relative value of these readings.

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Andreas Nedergård · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive but I’m guessing that’s his way of integrating his own paradigm shift in each further example of application. 4 stars seems a bit high to me but it was thought provoking and in that sense at carried the effect of a four star book while at times written as a 2,5-3,5 star book. If that makes any sense.

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was in some ways interesting and in some ways unnecessary. I did not need a white man to tell me that using anti-racist and feminist approaches to Biblical texts is a good idea. As a white woman reading this, I was simultaneously included and excluded from the category he addresses in the first person plural: "we male European-American exegetes" (I'm not an exegete, either, but it seems to me that in this book Patte is actually doing philosophy of Biblical studies rather than exegesis as such). However, I am interested, and on balance I think I'm pleased, that he wrote this book at all, and some of the arguments he adopts are helpful. I especially liked the affirmation of ordinary readings and the ways in which he breaks down the dichotomy between ordinary and critical approaches.