An Indecent Proposal: The Theological Core of the Book of Ruth

Halton, Charles

doi:10.1080/09018328.2012.704197

Cited by 5 publications

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“…Moreover, there’s a consensus that Naomi’s scheme goes beyond the accepted norms and puts Ruth in a compromising situation. I agree with Charles Halston (2012) that it was an ‘indecent proposal’ on the part of Naomi. 17 Why does Ruth this time seem so obedient as compared to the road to Bethlehem?…”

Section: Audacity and Integrity As Pathway To Resiliencementioning

confidence: 59%

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Theology of Resilience Amidst Vulnerability in the Book of Ruth

Panganiban¹

2020

Feminist Theology

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This article explores Ruth’s theology of resilience amidst vulnerability: a resilience rooted in ḥesed (loving kindness, a generosity beyond the call of duty). Ḥesed is a powerful social force that could address current issues for those both in privileged positions and in vulnerable situations. A re-reading of Ruth offers modern theologians and serious students of the Bible pathways towards building resilience amidst vulnerability, and in caring for those in vulnerable positions. The text at hand offers a pathway to be true to one’s core values and character, even amidst desperate situations. In Ruth resilience is developed by caring for others, identifying with a particular faith community, and taking initiatives while maintaining integrity. The narrative unveils a sustainable life of resilience that happens when one’s private and public life is lived congruently to each other. This article also reads Ruth’s narrative through a lens of a minority foreign woman that uses feminist and post-colonial approaches while looking at Ruth through a hermeneutic of trust. First, the author identifies her assumptions and considerations. Secondly, the article examines resilience as rooted in one’s identity and explores ḥesed under cultural and spiritual frameworks, within the narrative of Ruth and Naomi’s road scene from Moab to Bethlehem. Lastly, it examines resilience as rooted in ḥesed, within the narrative of the threshing floor scene encounter between Ruth and Boaz. The road and threshing floor scenes are decisive moments for Ruth. Her words and actions in each instance reveal her resilience: her strength of mind, emotion, and spirit, in spite of her vulnerability.

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Section: Audacity and Integrity As Pathway To Resiliencementioning

confidence: 59%

“… 17. Halton C (2012) An indecent proposal: the theological core of the book of Ruth. SJOT: Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament 26(1): 30–43. …”

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confidence: 99%

Theology of Resilience Amidst Vulnerability in the Book of Ruth

Panganiban¹

2020

Feminist Theology

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“…27.1-11 with Zelophehad’s daughters (2016). Halton draws out the provocative overtones and ambiguity in Ruth 3, making a case that Naomi uses Ruth for sexual entrapment (2012). Agriculture is another key motif, as illustrated by Britt (2004), Koosed (2016), and Snow (2017).…”

Section: Commentaries and Monographsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…24.4). Halton heightens the sexual nature and vulnerability of this scene when he writes that it is ‘centered around sexual entrapment using Ruth as bait’ (2012: 32). Frymer-Kensky adds that there are only two possibilities in this scene, either ‘she is uncovering him, or herself’ and the ambiguity may be an intentional ploy by the narrator ‘by not making the scene absolutely clear’ (2002: 248).…”

Section: Emerging Areas Of Emphasis In Ruth Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ruth in Recent Research

Matheny¹

2020

Currents in Biblical Research

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Interpretation and Enactment: The Yerushalmi Story of Elisha ben Abuyah and the Book of Ruth

Steinmetz¹

2016

AJS Rev.

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The aggadah about Elisha ben Abuyah and R. Meir in Y. H . agigah 2:1 (77b-c) includes a striking interpretation and enactment of a verse from the book of Ruth. In the climactic scene, R. Meir spreads his garment over his master's burning grave, performing the deed that Ruth requests of Boaz on the threshing floor, and offers a bold interpretation of Ruth 3:13, Boaz's reply to that request. The combined interpretation and enactment of this dramatic scene in the Ruth story at the climactic moment of the aggadah suggests that one might look for a more extensive engagement of the rabbinic narrative with the biblical story. This article explores ways in which the aggadah might be read in relation to the book of Ruth and argues that such a reading highlights core themes of the aggadah and helps disclose the theological and moral stance of this rabbinic narrative.

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An Indecent Proposal: The Theological Core of the Book of Ruth

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Theology of Resilience Amidst Vulnerability in the Book of Ruth

Theology of Resilience Amidst Vulnerability in the Book of Ruth

Ruth in Recent Research

Interpretation and Enactment: The Yerushalmi Story of Elisha ben Abuyah and the Book of Ruth

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