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Book Critique: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
NBST 610: Hermeneutics
Introduction
In Richards and O’Brien’s Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, they attempt to highlight the misinterpretations of the Bible by Westerners that draw meaning from their cultural
context. 1
This book critique aims to provide a critical response that analyzes the book's contents and provides feedback on the positive and negative values. Moreover, the book critique will summarize each chapter and the topics addressed, including the examples provided by Richards and O’Brien. In the analysis section, some of the questions addressed include the author's perspective, the perspective they bring to the book, the level of evidence provided for each topic addressed, the flow of their argument, and any inconsistencies or contradictions in their arguments. Lastly, the book critique will conclude with the book's overall value and what audience would benefit most from reading Richards’ and O’Brien’s book. The thesis of this paper is that Richards and O’Brien provide a succinct depiction and resolution to the presuppositions and preunderstandings Westerners produce when reading the Bible.
Summary
In the first chapter, Richards and O’Brien point out that Christians are not able to serve two masters. Mores are mentioned as the technical term for how society views fundamental moral views, which may or may not be acceptable, and the observance of these values is considered critical to the welfare of the community.
2
The authors go on to present a code of conduct that Westerners, at times, do not realize are mores that are contradictory to the Church. Simply stated, no one is able to serve two masters. The aforementioned statement is theologically
in line with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:24 where He states that nobody can serve two masters (Matt. 6:24, English Standard Version). The authors depict how Westerners mores about 1
E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien.
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible
. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2012), 11.
2
Ibid
. 29-30.
sex, money, and food are generally contradictory to biblical teachings and non-Western moral standards. In summary, the chapter concludes with questions the reader can use to determine if their cultural mores may hinder their understanding of the Bible so that they may be aware of their mores that may be contradictory to Christian values.
3
In the second chapter, Richards and O’Brien asks the reader to consider their own prejudices in accordance to race and ethnicity. The authors use the example Moses and his wife, and the issue Aaron and Miriam had against her because she is a Cushite.
4
Although the current western culture is more aware of the distinction between races and ethnicities, it is evident that Scripture is littered with racial, ethnical, and cultural stereotypes. The authors go on to recommend the use of an atlas during scriptural reading to understand cultural differences.
5
Lastly, the authors mention that it is important to understand that ethnic stereotypes left unexamined will lead to continued assumptions about race and ethnicity.
The third chapter is concise in its message, words in one language are mostly not sufficient when translating into another language. The authors argue that language is not a one for one translation, which leads to inadequacy, insufficiency, lack of equivalency and clarity. Consequently, the authors encourage the readers to read the Bible in different translations and contemplate the implications of the different renderings.
6
The next two chapters are related to each other in the sense that individualistic cultures believe in right and wrong concepts, while collectivistic cultures consider shame and honor more
culturally fundamental. As the authors mention, it is difficult for those who hold individualistic views as their identity to let go of their identity and become a part of the Church.
7
In a 3
Richards and O’Brien. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
. 49.
4
Ibid
. 59.
5
Ibid
. 67.
6
Ibid
. 89.
7
Richards and O’Brien. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
. 109.
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collectivistic culture, which the authors provide examples of in the Old and New Testaments, shame and honor are great motivators for “doing the right thing.” Ultimately, the authors conclude that sin is corporate and can permeate through the body of Christ, therefore, accountability amongst Christians is necessary.
8
The following chapter considers the different versions of time within the Bible. The authors reference two types of time in Greek terms: chronos (quantitative) and kairos (qualitative). The authors allude to the idea that Westerners typically concentrate on chronos time when reading the Bible, and they miss out on the kairos that the biblical author intended.
9
As mentioned, the Bible’s wisdom literature is in reference to kairos, but readers must perform their due diligence to comprehend the significance of time within the passages they are reading.
10
The next chapter explores rules and relationships, and how important they are to Westerners and non-Westerners. The authors remind the reader that relationships in ancient times most always came with strings attached.
11
Fortunately, God is sovereign and He makes all the rule, whether we choose to believe they are fair or unjust. The authors communicate this relationship through an example of God’s first commandment where He provides a rule based off
a relationship term that precedes the command.
12
Although there are rules within the Bible, it is evident that relationships are a main driver in their culture.
The following chapter emphasizes the implications of vices and virtues. The authors discuss how Westerners tend to rank and emphasize vices, and deemphasize virtues.
13
Subsequently, Scripture is on the side of lifelong virtuous pursuits, and not as a list of dos and 8
Ibid
. 133.
9
Ibid
. 142.
10
Ibid
. 150.
11
Ibid
. 169.
12
Ibid
. 173.
13
Ibid
. 181-182.
don’ts. Lastly, the authors express the importance of being sensitive to lists in the Bible in an attempt to comprehend what is being underscored.
14
The last chapter emphasizes the need of Westerners to place themselves at the center of Scripture. The authors begin explaining the different recent generations of the U.S., followed by the need to interpret the Word for individual, not communal, benefit.
15
The authors assert that the
assumption that the Bible is in reference to the individual Westerner is one of their greatest blind spots.
16
Ultimately, the chapter ends with the authors asking the readers to interpret the Scripture in corporate terms to determine what is says about all of God’s people.
17
Critique (evaluate the authors, how they have proven their thesis)
The most impactful argument for the authors thesis is the self-centeredness found in the last chapter. When examining the cultural context of the Hebrews, it is apparent that they did not each possess their own Bible to read at their leisure. Instead, the Jews went to synagogue daily to
receive the Word of God. Fortunately, Westerners have the ability to read His Word on their own
time, and even on different digital platforms. As the authors mention, the worst part about having
this type of freedom is that Westerners are asking, “What does this mean to me?” instead of “What does this mean to us?”
18
In the second chapter the authors consider the significance of race and ethnicity within the scriptures. Although racism and prejudices continue to litter Western and non-Western societies, the authors provide no meaningful solution to solving the matter. Yes, everyone can look introspectively and potentially find some form of prejudice within themselves. Once that is cleaned up, how do they break cultural and societal norms? Does a white individual calmly walk 14
Richards and O’Brien. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
. 190.
15
Ibid
. 197.
16
Ibid
. 207.
17
Ibid
. 208.
18
Ibid
. 197.
into an all-black congregation and begin to worship Jesus? How would a Chinese family approach entering an all-Latino congregation? All Christians should know that holding any ethnic prejudices are morally reprehensible, but where do larger groups of societies begin to break down barriers and become the multiethnic body of Christ?
19
Although the authors present a great case for chronos and kairos, there is not enough evidence to determine whether Westerners assume the Bible is mostly written according to chronos. While other cultures, including the Jews in the Old and New Testaments, are not typically punctual according to Westerner standards, there is not enough evidence provided to suggest Westerners are on the wrong side of the fence in this argument.
20
While it is imperative to know how time is appreciated in the culture of the Bible, it would benefit the authors to provide additional facts of the implication of time to Westerners instead of personal stories of how they perceived time in a non-Western culture.
21
The last critique of the authors includes the chapter on rules and relationships. The authors provide an abundance of biblical and western examples of the harmony between God and
man. As the authors express how Westerners relieve God of His duties once they understand the physical components of nature, it is evident that society does not allow God and science to intermingle.
22
Ultimately, the rules and relationships in the Bible provide the foundation for “religion” and could undermine how the Church has interpreted Scripture.
23
Conclusion
In conclusion, the authors concisely dive deeper and deeper into the presuppositions and preunderstandings of Westerners in an attempt to negate their possible implications. The authors 19
Richards and O’Brien. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
. 68.
20
Ibid
. 141.
21
Ibid
. 143.
22
Ibid
. 170.
23
Ibid
. 172.
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provide enough evidence and facts to make their dialogue significantly important to a majority of
Christian Westerners. Each chapter attempts to build upon the previous one and disclose what are common misconceptions of Westerners and how they do better while reading Scripture. Overall, the authors provide a book that is easy to follow, does not use a large amount of biblical jargon, and is applicable to the majority of Westerners.
Bibliography
Richards, E. Randolph, and Brandon J. O’Brien.
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible
. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2012.