“God’s Beauty Parlor: And Other Queer Spaces in and Around the Bible”
Stephen D Moore
Stanford University Press, 2002, 368 Pages

At A Glance: “God’s Beauty Parlor: And Other Queer Spaces in and Around the Bible” is a critical exploration of the Bible through queer theory and masculinity studies, reinterpreting texts to examine themes of homoeroticism, masculinity, and beauty.

Overview: “God’s Beauty Parlor: And Other Queer Spaces in and Around the Bible” by Stephen D. Moore offers an insightful exploration of the Bible through the lens of queer theory and masculinity studies. This work features a series of innovative reinterpretations of biblical texts, including the Song of Songs, the Gospels, Romans, and Revelation, focusing on themes like homoeroticism, masculinity, beauty, and violence. Moore examines various aspects, from the Song of Songs’ role in the history of sexuality to the portrayal of Jesus’ physicality in relation to beauty ideals, the gendered notions in Paul’s writings, and the complex relationship between masculinity and warfare in Revelation.

The book represents a vibrant attempt to apply contemporary gender studies to the Bible, challenging and expanding traditional interpretations of these sacred texts in the context of modern cultural and gender discourses.

Thoughts from Readers: