Wisdom Commentary Series – Achievement in the ‘history of feminism and the study of scripture’


From:  Sr. Barbara Reid, O.P. (Grand Rapids)

We are pleased to announce a significant milestone in the history of feminism and the study of scripture. The Wisdom Commentary series is the first scholarly collaboration to offer detailed feminist interpretation of every book of the Bible. The fifty-eight volume collection makes the best of current feminist biblical scholarship available in an accessible format to aid preachers and teachers in their advancement toward God’s vision of dignity, equality, and justice for all. The aim of this commentary is to provide feminist interpretation of every section of the Bible, in serious, scholarly engagement with the whole text from a feminist perspective. A central concern is how the text is heard and understood by men and women today.

Some of the distinctive features of this series are that scholars represent many different religious traditions, diverse ages, and varying cultural, racial, ethnic, and social contexts. It is inclusive of feminist biblical interpretation by both pioneers in the field and the younger generation of scholars. A section called “Translation Matters” raise questions about problematic translations. Wherever Hebrew or Greek words are used, the English translation is provided. A list of works cited is included in each volume, and a comprehensive bibliography for each volume will be posted and updated regularly for his or her volume online.

The first three volumes are now available:  Hebrews; Haggai and Malachi; and Micah.  For more information go to:  www.wisdomcommentary.org.

The General Editor of this series is Barbara E. Reid, OP is a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She holds a Masters from Aquinas College in Religious Studies and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She is the author of Abiding Word: Sunday Reflections for Year B (Liturgical Press, 2011; Year C, 2012, Year A, 2013), Taking Up the Cross: New Testament Interpretations Through Latina and Feminist Eyes (Fortress Press, 2007; Spanish translation: Reconsiderar la Cruz, Editorial Verbo Divino, 2009),The Gospel According to Matthew. New Collegeville Bible Commentary Series (Liturgical Press, 2005), Parables for Preachers (3 volumes; Liturgical Press, 1999, 2000, 2001; Spanish translation: Las Parábolas: Predicándolas y Viviéndolas(Ciclo A, B, 2008, 2009), Choosing the Better Part? Women in the Gospel of Luke (Liturgical Press, 1996), A Retreat With St. Luke (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2000), and many journal articles. Currently she is writing Sophia’s Table: An Introduction to Feminist Interpretation of the Scriptures (forthcoming from Eerdmans Press).