“Ancient Laws and Contemporary Controversies: The Need for Inclusive Biblical Interpretation”
Cheryl B. Anderson
​​Oxford University Press, 2009, 256 Pages

At A Glance: “Ancient Laws and Contemporary Controversies” examines the relevance of Old Testament laws in modern Christianity, advocating for an inclusive interpretation that evolves like the U.S. Constitution to address current issues of gender, class, and race/ethnicity.

Overview: In “Ancient Laws and Contemporary Controversies: The Need for Inclusive Biblical Interpretation,” Cheryl B. Anderson critically examines the relevance and interpretation of Old Testament laws for contemporary Christians. She addresses how some of these laws, particularly those regarding slavery, women’s rights, and homosexuality, are deeply problematic and often ignored or selectively used to support specific political and social agendas. Anderson argues that these laws are still a crucial part of Christian faith and should not be disregarded.

Drawing parallels with how the U.S. Constitution has evolved to be more inclusive, she advocates for a similar approach to biblical interpretation, suggesting that while the texts themselves cannot be amended, the way they are understood should adapt to include perspectives of women, the poor, and people of color. Her book, rooted in Old Testament scholarship and critical, legal, and feminist theory, proposes a more inclusive interpretative approach to these ancient laws, addressing contemporary issues of gender, class, and race/ethnicity.

Thoughts from Readers: