Michael Barram | Saint Mary's College of California (original) (raw)
Papers by Michael Barram
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Reviews in religion and theology, Aug 23, 2011
Interpretation, Jul 1, 2006
institutions have contributed to the problem. In guiding us towards solutions, his goal is to mak... more institutions have contributed to the problem. In guiding us towards solutions, his goal is to make us better leaders, pastors, and Christians. To demonstrate the urgency of the problem, Miles sensitively incorporates the voices of young women who have survived horrific experiences and adds to them the voices of parents, educators, and experts in the field. He does not sugarcoat the tragic realities of abusive relationships. He conveys a deep understanding of the dynamics of abuse, as well as the unique challenges facing young women and men of color. In tracing the roots of the problem, Miles focuses his attention on popular culture and the teachings of the church. His vilification of popular culture is a familiar refrain, but his critique of the church as an institution is more compelling. Here, he looks at the negative messages young people often receive from their churches about sexuality and gender. His discussion of how the themes of salvation and forgiveness often lead young women to stay with abusive partners is particularly insightful. We can feel the devastating impact of abuse on one's faith in the testimony of survivors Miles has included. Despite his strong critique of the church, Miles clearly wants to support Christian churches in their work. The book provides discussion questions at the end of each chapter ideal for adult education programs and seminary classrooms alike. He offers helpful suggestions for parents and other adults who work with youth. The final chapter attempts to document ways in which we can empower young people to build safe and healthy relationships, but unfortunately it is the least cohesive chapter. Most of the useful information on how to respond appropriately is found earlier in the book. Miles' book should be required reading for all pastors, Christian educators, and parents. Its message is one every adult should hear.
Interpretation, Jul 1, 2004
Reviews in religion and theology, Sep 1, 2006
David is one of the best-known and beloved figures in the Bible today as he was in his days. In m... more David is one of the best-known and beloved figures in the Bible today as he was in his days. In many ways David was no different from us, yet there was 'something' about David that attracted God's attention, the loyalty of numerous people of his time, and imagination of the Western culture. We all know how much God adored David, choosing him when God sought out a man after God's own heart. In spite of David's mistakes and faults, God promised uncompromised loyalty to him and his house (2 Sam. 7:15-16). It is not surprising that the Israelites were enamored of the handsome young shepherd boy turned charismatic warrior-king whom God seems to favor. Even the foreigners gave their allegiance to him; many remained loyal to David in the most difficult circumstances of his life at the risk of their own lives. What was that 'something' that David had that attracted so many people and God to his side? David undoubtedly had a complex personality, even though people often underappreciate David's complex character and view him as a one-dimensional figure, as a person of model faith or as the ultimate underdog. Keith Bodner in this book explores the complexity of David's personality by reading the David story through the eyes of David's supporting characters. This is a close reading of the final form of the text, using literary approach, particularly Bakhtin's literary devices, to interpret the text while introducing some basic principals of biblical narrative in the process. He explores various characters-Eliab, Ahimelech, Abner, Nathan, Joab, Ahithophel, Bathsheba, among others-and texts 'to enrich the narrative and illuminate the personality of David through a host of narrative configurations' (p. 2). In particular, Bodner explores the tension between David as 'the political and military leader, and the one who has an uncommon theological vision' (p. 18), which adds to the complexity of David. This is a well-written book that will grip the reader's attention through the entire book as the author offers various angles to view David. Although the author suggests that the primary audience is 'students and interested readers wanting a literary angle on various texts in the David story', the fact that some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek are required to fully appreciate this book, I am afraid, precludes many of the targeted audience. Bodner utilizes the theoretical work of Mikhail Bakhtin to analyze the personality of David through views provided by Eliab the eldest brother of David, Ahimelech the priest of the family of Eli, and Abner the general of Saul's army. In Chapter 2 he examines David's eldest
Chronic economic disparities are painfully evident throughout the world, and in this context chal... more Chronic economic disparities are painfully evident throughout the world, and in this context challenging questions of missional hermeneutics, formation, and practice arise. This article seeks to tease out some noteworthy economic implications of Gen 1-3, implications that are both theologically and missionally evocative and often at odds with widespread anthropological assumptions, market-centric values, and conceptions of socioeconomic justice. Drawing together insights from Gen 1-3, the Babylonian Enuma Elish Creation Myth, neoclassical and contemporary economic perspectives, and Catholic Social Teaching, the article highlights key anthropological and socioeconomic values that can contribute to a biblically authentic missional hermeneutic.
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Interpretation, Mar 22, 2023
Reviews in religion and theology, Aug 23, 2011
Interpretation, Jul 1, 2006
institutions have contributed to the problem. In guiding us towards solutions, his goal is to mak... more institutions have contributed to the problem. In guiding us towards solutions, his goal is to make us better leaders, pastors, and Christians. To demonstrate the urgency of the problem, Miles sensitively incorporates the voices of young women who have survived horrific experiences and adds to them the voices of parents, educators, and experts in the field. He does not sugarcoat the tragic realities of abusive relationships. He conveys a deep understanding of the dynamics of abuse, as well as the unique challenges facing young women and men of color. In tracing the roots of the problem, Miles focuses his attention on popular culture and the teachings of the church. His vilification of popular culture is a familiar refrain, but his critique of the church as an institution is more compelling. Here, he looks at the negative messages young people often receive from their churches about sexuality and gender. His discussion of how the themes of salvation and forgiveness often lead young women to stay with abusive partners is particularly insightful. We can feel the devastating impact of abuse on one's faith in the testimony of survivors Miles has included. Despite his strong critique of the church, Miles clearly wants to support Christian churches in their work. The book provides discussion questions at the end of each chapter ideal for adult education programs and seminary classrooms alike. He offers helpful suggestions for parents and other adults who work with youth. The final chapter attempts to document ways in which we can empower young people to build safe and healthy relationships, but unfortunately it is the least cohesive chapter. Most of the useful information on how to respond appropriately is found earlier in the book. Miles' book should be required reading for all pastors, Christian educators, and parents. Its message is one every adult should hear.
Interpretation, Jul 1, 2004
Reviews in religion and theology, Sep 1, 2006
David is one of the best-known and beloved figures in the Bible today as he was in his days. In m... more David is one of the best-known and beloved figures in the Bible today as he was in his days. In many ways David was no different from us, yet there was 'something' about David that attracted God's attention, the loyalty of numerous people of his time, and imagination of the Western culture. We all know how much God adored David, choosing him when God sought out a man after God's own heart. In spite of David's mistakes and faults, God promised uncompromised loyalty to him and his house (2 Sam. 7:15-16). It is not surprising that the Israelites were enamored of the handsome young shepherd boy turned charismatic warrior-king whom God seems to favor. Even the foreigners gave their allegiance to him; many remained loyal to David in the most difficult circumstances of his life at the risk of their own lives. What was that 'something' that David had that attracted so many people and God to his side? David undoubtedly had a complex personality, even though people often underappreciate David's complex character and view him as a one-dimensional figure, as a person of model faith or as the ultimate underdog. Keith Bodner in this book explores the complexity of David's personality by reading the David story through the eyes of David's supporting characters. This is a close reading of the final form of the text, using literary approach, particularly Bakhtin's literary devices, to interpret the text while introducing some basic principals of biblical narrative in the process. He explores various characters-Eliab, Ahimelech, Abner, Nathan, Joab, Ahithophel, Bathsheba, among others-and texts 'to enrich the narrative and illuminate the personality of David through a host of narrative configurations' (p. 2). In particular, Bodner explores the tension between David as 'the political and military leader, and the one who has an uncommon theological vision' (p. 18), which adds to the complexity of David. This is a well-written book that will grip the reader's attention through the entire book as the author offers various angles to view David. Although the author suggests that the primary audience is 'students and interested readers wanting a literary angle on various texts in the David story', the fact that some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek are required to fully appreciate this book, I am afraid, precludes many of the targeted audience. Bodner utilizes the theoretical work of Mikhail Bakhtin to analyze the personality of David through views provided by Eliab the eldest brother of David, Ahimelech the priest of the family of Eli, and Abner the general of Saul's army. In Chapter 2 he examines David's eldest
Chronic economic disparities are painfully evident throughout the world, and in this context chal... more Chronic economic disparities are painfully evident throughout the world, and in this context challenging questions of missional hermeneutics, formation, and practice arise. This article seeks to tease out some noteworthy economic implications of Gen 1-3, implications that are both theologically and missionally evocative and often at odds with widespread anthropological assumptions, market-centric values, and conceptions of socioeconomic justice. Drawing together insights from Gen 1-3, the Babylonian Enuma Elish Creation Myth, neoclassical and contemporary economic perspectives, and Catholic Social Teaching, the article highlights key anthropological and socioeconomic values that can contribute to a biblically authentic missional hermeneutic.