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Books by Jeanette Mathews
Cascade Books, 2020
The biblical prophets and Biblical Performance Criticism are brought together in three case studi... more The biblical prophets and Biblical Performance Criticism are brought together in three case studies (Elijah, Ezekiel, Jonah) presented as performances. This book proposes a new method of reading the biblical prophets with a threefold focus on creativity, commentary, and connections. With this method the many and varied performances of the prophets can be better appreciated. Critical analysis of the quintessentially performative nature of the prophets as embodied spokespersons for YHWH aids us in understanding and clarifying YHWH's message to audiences, situations, and communities of the past as well as engaging contemporary audiences.
Barton Books, 2019, 2014
God, by degrees is written for students of academic theology, written by a community of teachers ... more God, by degrees is written for students of academic theology, written by a community of teachers who share a common experience of engaging with generations of new students who are simultaneously bemused, thrown off balance and energized by the new world they are discovering. In wide-ranging but simply expressed chapters students are led through the essentials of preparing for and undertaking theology study.
The book is divided into three parts. The first section is an exploration of principles that lie behind the study of theology, such as faith, doubt, discipline and the importance of community. The second and third parts are more practical, presenting a range of study skills that guide students in preparation and production of theological assignments. Helpful appendices, introduced by one student’s testimony, include useful texts and websites, a guide for referencing, a template for exegesis and a glossary of theological terms.
‘Journey’ is a central metaphor in the book, acknowledging that all of us are still travelling in our quest to know God. God, by degrees implies that academic theological study is nonetheless incremental. This book provides an essential and practical guide along the way.
Pickwick Publications, 2012
Chapters in Books by Jeanette Mathews
The Bible, Justice and Public Theology, 2014
Book Reviews by Jeanette Mathews
Published in Catholic Biblical Quarterly Vol 76 2014
Australian scholar Jeanette Mathews offers here a groundbreaking performance reading of Habakkuk:... more Australian scholar Jeanette Mathews offers here a groundbreaking performance reading of Habakkuk: a background, methodology, translation, and commentary on the text. Others have applied performance criteria to scripture in general, or portions of scripture, but to my knowledge, this is the first time anyone has explained and applied a performance model to a whole biblical text.
Papers by Jeanette Mathews
Religions, 2024
Biblical Scholars working with ancient texts are engaged in the daily task of Bible translation. ... more Biblical Scholars working with ancient texts are engaged in the daily task of Bible translation. A commitment to Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) can be transformative in the task of translation. It is argued in this
paper that responsible translation will work towards replicating the artistry of original transmitters of texts in order to draw out traces of the original orality embedded in the texts. Examples of performance‑sensitive translations of texts predominantly from the Hebrew Bible are provided. This e‑paper also demonstrates that translations that draw out performative elements contribute to interpretation, especially when such scripts are staged before audiences. Subsequent analysis of the performance including audience response contributes to such interpretation. Performance‑sensitive translation and actual performance thus become tools for embodiment and the interpretation of biblical texts in our own time.
Religions
All biblical scholars are committed to the interpretation of ancient written texts, but Biblical ... more All biblical scholars are committed to the interpretation of ancient written texts, but Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) reminds interpreters that performance helps us better understand Scripture. A distinct difference between Narrative Criticism and Performance Criticism is the broader application of Performance Criticism to poetic and prose texts that are not grounded in narrative. The ambiguity of prose and poetry that does not readily identify speakers is open to a range of performative interpretations. Furthermore, audiences are necessary for performance and contribute to meaning-making. The embodied experience of performers and audience alike contribute to the interpretation of biblical texts. This article reflects on a performance of Ecclesiastes translated as a script of a television talk show, claiming that embodying and performing Scripture is itself a method for interpretation. Through the performance of Scripture, we are reminded that interpretation is shared and dyn...
St. Mark's review: A journal of Christian thought and opinion, Sep 1, 2020
The focus of this essay is to take a new look at the legislation in Lev 13-14 relating to skin di... more The focus of this essay is to take a new look at the legislation in Lev 13-14 relating to skin disease and ask what these OT traditions might illuminate for us as we respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2020
n July 1989, together with my husband David Hunter, I arrived in Cape Town to undertake masters’ ... more n July 1989, together with my husband David Hunter, I arrived in Cape Town to undertake masters’ studies in the School of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town. The programme was recommended to us by John de Gruchy whom we had met while students at an international Baptist seminary in Switzerland. The opportunity to live and study in South Africa at such a momentous time in its history was a great privilege, and an experience that significantly shaped our theological reflection and practice. We were able to participate in “the Struggle” in small ways: by attending protest rallies, funerals and prayer services; visiting prisoners on Robben Island and welcoming some upon their release; joining in Baptist Fellowship groups; and being present in the crowd welcoming Nelson Mandela in his first public appearance following his release (a notable highlight amongst my life’s experiences). We had deeply appreciated our studies, instructors and fellow students in the Baptist Seminar...
Theology, 2018
An analysis of the bow/rainbow in Genesis 9.13.
Cascade Books, 2020
The biblical prophets and Biblical Performance Criticism are brought together in three case studi... more The biblical prophets and Biblical Performance Criticism are brought together in three case studies (Elijah, Ezekiel, Jonah) presented as performances. This book proposes a new method of reading the biblical prophets with a threefold focus on creativity, commentary, and connections. With this method the many and varied performances of the prophets can be better appreciated. Critical analysis of the quintessentially performative nature of the prophets as embodied spokespersons for YHWH aids us in understanding and clarifying YHWH's message to audiences, situations, and communities of the past as well as engaging contemporary audiences.
Barton Books, 2019, 2014
God, by degrees is written for students of academic theology, written by a community of teachers ... more God, by degrees is written for students of academic theology, written by a community of teachers who share a common experience of engaging with generations of new students who are simultaneously bemused, thrown off balance and energized by the new world they are discovering. In wide-ranging but simply expressed chapters students are led through the essentials of preparing for and undertaking theology study.
The book is divided into three parts. The first section is an exploration of principles that lie behind the study of theology, such as faith, doubt, discipline and the importance of community. The second and third parts are more practical, presenting a range of study skills that guide students in preparation and production of theological assignments. Helpful appendices, introduced by one student’s testimony, include useful texts and websites, a guide for referencing, a template for exegesis and a glossary of theological terms.
‘Journey’ is a central metaphor in the book, acknowledging that all of us are still travelling in our quest to know God. God, by degrees implies that academic theological study is nonetheless incremental. This book provides an essential and practical guide along the way.
Pickwick Publications, 2012
The Bible, Justice and Public Theology, 2014
Published in Catholic Biblical Quarterly Vol 76 2014
Australian scholar Jeanette Mathews offers here a groundbreaking performance reading of Habakkuk:... more Australian scholar Jeanette Mathews offers here a groundbreaking performance reading of Habakkuk: a background, methodology, translation, and commentary on the text. Others have applied performance criteria to scripture in general, or portions of scripture, but to my knowledge, this is the first time anyone has explained and applied a performance model to a whole biblical text.
Religions, 2024
Biblical Scholars working with ancient texts are engaged in the daily task of Bible translation. ... more Biblical Scholars working with ancient texts are engaged in the daily task of Bible translation. A commitment to Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) can be transformative in the task of translation. It is argued in this
paper that responsible translation will work towards replicating the artistry of original transmitters of texts in order to draw out traces of the original orality embedded in the texts. Examples of performance‑sensitive translations of texts predominantly from the Hebrew Bible are provided. This e‑paper also demonstrates that translations that draw out performative elements contribute to interpretation, especially when such scripts are staged before audiences. Subsequent analysis of the performance including audience response contributes to such interpretation. Performance‑sensitive translation and actual performance thus become tools for embodiment and the interpretation of biblical texts in our own time.
Religions
All biblical scholars are committed to the interpretation of ancient written texts, but Biblical ... more All biblical scholars are committed to the interpretation of ancient written texts, but Biblical Performance Criticism (BPC) reminds interpreters that performance helps us better understand Scripture. A distinct difference between Narrative Criticism and Performance Criticism is the broader application of Performance Criticism to poetic and prose texts that are not grounded in narrative. The ambiguity of prose and poetry that does not readily identify speakers is open to a range of performative interpretations. Furthermore, audiences are necessary for performance and contribute to meaning-making. The embodied experience of performers and audience alike contribute to the interpretation of biblical texts. This article reflects on a performance of Ecclesiastes translated as a script of a television talk show, claiming that embodying and performing Scripture is itself a method for interpretation. Through the performance of Scripture, we are reminded that interpretation is shared and dyn...
St. Mark's review: A journal of Christian thought and opinion, Sep 1, 2020
The focus of this essay is to take a new look at the legislation in Lev 13-14 relating to skin di... more The focus of this essay is to take a new look at the legislation in Lev 13-14 relating to skin disease and ask what these OT traditions might illuminate for us as we respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2020
n July 1989, together with my husband David Hunter, I arrived in Cape Town to undertake masters’ ... more n July 1989, together with my husband David Hunter, I arrived in Cape Town to undertake masters’ studies in the School of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town. The programme was recommended to us by John de Gruchy whom we had met while students at an international Baptist seminary in Switzerland. The opportunity to live and study in South Africa at such a momentous time in its history was a great privilege, and an experience that significantly shaped our theological reflection and practice. We were able to participate in “the Struggle” in small ways: by attending protest rallies, funerals and prayer services; visiting prisoners on Robben Island and welcoming some upon their release; joining in Baptist Fellowship groups; and being present in the crowd welcoming Nelson Mandela in his first public appearance following his release (a notable highlight amongst my life’s experiences). We had deeply appreciated our studies, instructors and fellow students in the Baptist Seminar...
Theology, 2018
An analysis of the bow/rainbow in Genesis 9.13.
Review & Expositor, 2016
The original context and meaning of the Third Commandment within the Decalogue is debated among O... more The original context and meaning of the Third Commandment within the Decalogue is debated among Old Testament scholars, with no firm consensus as to whether oath-taking, the use of God’s name for magic purposes or for proper worship, lies behind the prohibition. Key words that are used in a variety of ways in other contexts add to the uncertainty. Recognition that even within Scripture the Third Commandment has been improvised for new settings gives a freedom to explore its meaning and relevance for the Church in the world today. When God’s name is used by individuals, communities, or nations in support of any type of injustice, it is being used wrongfully. Equally, God’s name is honored by those who live and work for truth, peace, and justice.
Theology
This contribution to Difficult Texts focuses on the identity, depiction and experience of the Shu... more This contribution to Difficult Texts focuses on the identity, depiction and experience of the Shulammite woman in the Song of Songs (6.13).
I have been privileged to live and study in Cape Town, South Africa, for a challenging and exciti... more I have been privileged to live and study in Cape Town, South Africa, for a challenging and exciting period of the history of the country. The faculty and students in the Department of Religious Studies have both encouraged and supported me during my time there, and taught me a great deal in their struggle to be a relevant voice at such a time. I thank them for that. My supervisor for this paper, Associate Professor I turneleng Mosala, has been inspirational in my own developing theological reflection. TABLE OF rnNTENTS Acknowledgements. ii Table of Contents .iii Introduction. . .
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St. Mark's Review, 2015
Review(s) of: The songs of Jesse Adams: A novel, by Peter McKinnon, Acorn Press, Preston, 2014, s... more Review(s) of: The songs of Jesse Adams: A novel, by Peter McKinnon, Acorn Press, Preston, 2014, softcover, 346 pages, ISBN 9780987428677, RRP $AUD29.95.
St. Mark's Review, 2011
Review(s) of: Lies, sex and politicians: Communicating the old testament in contemporary culture,... more Review(s) of: Lies, sex and politicians: Communicating the old testament in contemporary culture, by John Holdsworth, SCM Press, London, 2010, paperback, 178 pages, ISBN 9780334043409, RRP A$39.99.
When I was a minister at Canberra Baptist Church I hosted an inter-church youth service one Sunda... more When I was a minister at Canberra Baptist Church I hosted an inter-church youth service one Sunday evening. I can’t remember the overall theme but do remember a very hostile reaction from a parent of a couple of young people from another church because we had used the Robin Mann song ‘God Version 1.0’. The six-verse song begins with the statement ‘I don’t believe in a God up in the sky who sits in heaven and never hears me cry’ and concludes with the following two stanzas:
The biblical prophets and Biblical Performance Criticism are brought together in three case studi... more The biblical prophets and Biblical Performance Criticism are brought together in three case studies (Elijah, Ezekiel, Jonah) presented as performances. This book proposes a new method of reading the biblical prophets with a threefold focus on creativity, commentary, and connections. With this method the many and varied performances of the prophets can be better appreciated. Critical analysis of the quintessentially performative nature of the prophets as embodied spokespersons for YHWH aids us in understanding and clarifying YHWH's message to audiences, situations, and communities of the past as well as engaging contemporary audiences.
St. Mark's Review, 2015
Review(s) of: Unless someone shows me: English grammar for students of biblical languages, by Joh... more Review(s) of: Unless someone shows me: English grammar for students of biblical languages, by John A Davies, Mosaic Press, Preston Vic., 2013, softcover, 129 pages, ISBN 9781743241455; How biblical languages work: A student's guide to learning Hebrew and Greek, by Peter James Silzer and Thomas John Finley, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids MI, 2004, softcover, 258 pages, ISBN 9780825426445.