Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Publication Date

4-11-2019

College

Theology and Christian Ministry, College of

BURS Faculty Advisor

Mark McEntire

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

Old Testament theology, like many of its sister disciplines, is an area of study, which brings with it a problematic history. Moving through four distinct phases of methodology—(1) systematic, (2) historical or reconstructive, (3) dialogical, and now (4) narrative—Old Testament theology has often excluded voices, which have traditionally been viewed as “Other.” Thankfully, the budding narrative approach, which seeks to trace the development of the character called God in the Hebrew Scriptures, may create space for more voices to enter into the conversation. Divorced from many of the troubling consequences of the earlier phases of Old Testament theology, this approach allows for a more in-depth exploration of topics often ignored, such as Motherhood. In examining the Divine Character’s behavior toward various mothers—both literal and figurative—throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, specifically Eve, Hagar, Sarai/Sarah, and finally Esther as the figurative Mother, we are able to trace the development of the Divine Character’s relationship to Motherhood, and potentially uncover the role this character called God plays in the conception of what it means to be woman in the Hebrew Scriptures.

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