Unmanly Men

Refigurations of Masculinity in Luke-Acts

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Bible & Bible Studies, New Testament, Criticism & Interpretation
Cover of the book Unmanly Men by Brittany E. Wilson, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Brittany E. Wilson ISBN: 9780190266493
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: April 14, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Brittany E. Wilson
ISBN: 9780190266493
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: April 14, 2015
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

New Testament scholars typically assume that the men who pervade the pages of Luke's two volumes are models of an implied "manliness." Scholars rarely question how Lukan men measure up to ancient masculine mores, even though masculinity is increasingly becoming a topic of inquiry in the field of New Testament and its related disciplines. Drawing especially from gender-critical work in classics, Brittany Wilson addresses this lacuna by examining key male characters in Luke-Acts in relation to constructions of masculinity in the Greco-Roman world. Of all Luke's male characters, Wilson maintains that four in particular problematize elite masculine norms: namely, Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist), the Ethiopian eunuch, Paul, and, above all, Jesus. She further explains that these men do not protect their bodily boundaries nor do they embody corporeal control, two interrelated male gender norms. Indeed, Zechariah loses his ability to speak, the Ethiopian eunuch is castrated, Paul loses his ability to see, and Jesus is put to death on the cross. With these bodily "violations," Wilson argues, Luke points to the all-powerful nature of God and in the process reconfigures--or refigures--men's own claims to power. Luke, however, not only refigures the so-called prerogative of male power, but he refigures the parameters of power itself. According to Luke, God provides an alternative construal of power in the figure of Jesus and thus redefines what it means to be masculine. Thus, for Luke, "real" men look manifestly unmanly. Wilson's findings in Unmanly Men will shatter long-held assumptions in scholarly circles and beyond about gendered interpretations of the New Testament, and how they can be used to understand the roles of the Bible's key characters.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

New Testament scholars typically assume that the men who pervade the pages of Luke's two volumes are models of an implied "manliness." Scholars rarely question how Lukan men measure up to ancient masculine mores, even though masculinity is increasingly becoming a topic of inquiry in the field of New Testament and its related disciplines. Drawing especially from gender-critical work in classics, Brittany Wilson addresses this lacuna by examining key male characters in Luke-Acts in relation to constructions of masculinity in the Greco-Roman world. Of all Luke's male characters, Wilson maintains that four in particular problematize elite masculine norms: namely, Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist), the Ethiopian eunuch, Paul, and, above all, Jesus. She further explains that these men do not protect their bodily boundaries nor do they embody corporeal control, two interrelated male gender norms. Indeed, Zechariah loses his ability to speak, the Ethiopian eunuch is castrated, Paul loses his ability to see, and Jesus is put to death on the cross. With these bodily "violations," Wilson argues, Luke points to the all-powerful nature of God and in the process reconfigures--or refigures--men's own claims to power. Luke, however, not only refigures the so-called prerogative of male power, but he refigures the parameters of power itself. According to Luke, God provides an alternative construal of power in the figure of Jesus and thus redefines what it means to be masculine. Thus, for Luke, "real" men look manifestly unmanly. Wilson's findings in Unmanly Men will shatter long-held assumptions in scholarly circles and beyond about gendered interpretations of the New Testament, and how they can be used to understand the roles of the Bible's key characters.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book A Minimal Libertarianism by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Love of Freedom by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Infancy to Early Childhood by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Memoirs of a Militia Sergeant by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Abortion in America : The Origins and Evolution of National Policy by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Music and Youth Culture in Latin America by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Space Physiology by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Angels in the Machinery by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Treating Your OCD with Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention Therapy by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Mexico by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Grand Illusions by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Constitutional Interpretation by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Of Borders and Margins by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book Counting Bodies by Brittany E. Wilson
Cover of the book The Legacy of Fischer Black by Brittany E. Wilson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy