Critical Theory and Biblical Studies

The Critical Theory and Biblical Studies Series (CTBS) publishes ground-breaking mono- graphs that bring together critical theory and biblical studies. It publishes works in which past, present, and future innovations in critical theory shed light on the study of biblical texts. But CTBS also provides a crucial space for scholars to inform critically the themes and trends present in the broader field of critical theory. Far from "theory" being a fling of the 1980s in which biblical scholars could briefly dabble only to swiftly move on, it is increasingly clear that theoretical reflection on the frameworks, "foundations" and un- derpinnings of biblical interpretation are crucial for any scholarly enterprise, as well as impacting practices and ideologies that emerge from particular interpretations, relating for instance to race, class, and gender.

In the last decades, with the so-called "turn to religion," many prominent figures associated with critical theory are turning to the biblical archive, mining it for ideas and tropes to rethink European history and its philosophical heritage, to mobilize political thought and action, and to posit new directions for philosophical thought. Figures such as Jacques Derrida, Alain Badiou, Slavoj Žižek, and Giorgio Agamben are providing renewed stimulus to biblical studies in their fascination with this ancient archive. Criti- cal engagement with their uses of the Bible, however, remains largely neglected among biblical scholars. At this juncture, it is necessary to provide a scholarly space for biblical scholars to become more prominent interlocutors in these debates, by contributing an expertise and knowledge of the Bible and its history of interpretation largely lacking in critical theory. Further, it is imperative for biblical scholars to analyze and reflect on what this turn to the Bible signifies, what assumptions are at play in these debates, and how scholars can build on this turn in critical and constructive ways.

Among the issues in critical theory that will be addressed in the series include: Gender studies, Marxist theory, postcolonialism, structuralism, post-structuralism, de- construction, postmodernism, reconstructivism, psychoanalytic theory, queer theory, semiotics, cultural anthropology, theories of identity, linguistic theories of literature, animal studies, posthumanism, and eco-criticism.

Series Editorial Board:

Ward Blanton, University of Kent, UK

James Crossley, St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK Paul Middleton, University of Chester, UK

Robert Myles, Murdoch University, AU

Christina Petterson, Australian National University, AU

Hollis Phelps, Mercer University, US

Hannah M. Strommen, University of Chichester, UK

Fatima Tofighi, University of Religions, Qom, Iran

J. Brian Tucker, Moody Theological Seminary, US