“When Deborah Met Jael: Lesbian Biblical Hermeneutics”
by Deryn Guest
Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd, 2005, 316 pages

At A Glance: “When Deborah Met Jael” explores the essential elements and strategies of lesbian readings of scripture, emphasizing dignity, experience, and empowerment for contemporary lesbians.

Overview: “When Deborah Met Jael: Lesbian Biblical Hermeneutics” by Deryn Guest defines and situates the critical elements that constitute lesbian readings of scripture, exploring the fluidity of the lesbian label and the concept of a “lesbian sensibility.”

The book examines the social, economic, and religious challenges faced by lesbians, and outlines the foundational principles of lesbian hermeneutics, including the importance of upholding dignity, valuing experience, employing a hermeneutic of suspicion, including grassroots perspectives, being open to allies, and addressing biblical authority.

Guest evaluates various strategies used by lesbians in interpreting scripture, demonstrating their application to relevant biblical texts to empower contemporary lesbians.

Thoughts from Readers: