UNPROTECTED TEXTS
The Bible’s Surprising Contradictions
about Sex and Desire
Author:
Jennifer Wright Knust
Date: 2011
Reviewed by
Geoffrey W. Sutton
Knust’s book, Unprotected Texts, has an intriguing title for
anyone thinking about the sex-related moral issues constantly in the news. I purchased a copy of her book as I was writing A House Divided:Sexuality, Morality, and Christian Cultures, and I’m glad I did because
I referenced some of her insights.
Knust has impressive credentials. At the time she wrote Unprotected Texts, Knust had a
Ph.D., from Columbia University and was an Associate Professor of New Testament
and Christian Origins at Boston University
School of Theology. She’s also an ordained American Baptist pastor.
Unprotected Texts is a well written book, which addresses biblical
sex in six chapters with primary titles that do not easily identify the subject
matter until you’ve read a few pages.
In this review, I’ll provide a summary, then add some thoughts at the end of this review.
In this review, I’ll provide a summary, then add some thoughts at the end of this review.
*****
The Bible and the Joy of Sex (chapter 1) introduces us to texts that celebrate sex outside of
marriage—an obvious contrast to the interpretations offered to evangelical
youth. Knust offers us the graphic imagery in The Song (aka Song of
Solomon) as evidence of biblical erotica expressed in the relationship
between two unmarried lovers. We also glimpse Ruth’s seduction of Boaz and King
David’s infamous extramarital affair with Bathsheba. As Knust concludes, “…the
passages considered in this chapter suggest that nonmarital desire can be both
limitless and productive.” (Kindle Locations 871-872)
Anyone reading the Bible knows ancient men in
many cultures had many wives. Chapter 2 is about biblical marriage. If you
follow American news, you know Christian evangelicals have worked hard at
establishing a cultural norm that legal marriage ought to be between one man and
one woman. Knust takes us through several texts to make the point that biblical
women were the property of the men in their families. Not surprisingly, the
story begins with Adam and Eve, but we have no specific commandments about
marriage until we get to the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Here we are
reminded of the high value placed on a woman’s virginity, Israelite rules
governing slave women and their families, and the rights of fathers, husbands,
and slave owners with respect to women. Next, Knust reviews the various New
Testament teachings on marriage and divorce. I found Table 1 particularly
useful because she provides details comparing the similarities and differences
among the gospel writers.
It’s no secret that evangelical preachers
and conservative theologies have warned congregants about sexual immorality. In
chapter 3, The Evil Impulse, Knust examines Disordered and Ordered
Desire. The chapter opens with a discussion of Paul’s advice to the
Corinthians about the value of celibacy— provided people have
self-control—otherwise, they ought to marry. In Corinthians 6, Paul
communicates the horrid consequences of missing out of the kingdom of God as a
penalty for engaging in sexual immorality. Knust examines Paul’s language in
the context of Greco-Roman culture. She reminds readers of Paul’s expectation
of Jesus’ soon return and the later writings that emphasize authoritative control
of people and their passions through household structures (e.g., Ephesians, 1
Timothy). By the end of the chapter we have learned that the early Christians
wrestled with the same issues as those in the Roman culture concerning
appropriate ways for men to manage their sexual desire.
Chapter 4 is about Sexual Politics. The
Old Testament writers condemn enemy tribes using the language of sex and
idolatry—the outsiders are prostitutes. Purity and holiness are values reflected
in the rules about sex. Prohibitions against incest is one example of biblical
attention to detail about what constituted a sex crime. Despite the attacks on
the evil of their neighbors, we see that the Israelites were guilty of the same
sexual sins.
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Chapter 5 is perhaps the strangest, Strange
Flesh. Here we are reminded of that quizzical old text about the sons of
God having sex with earthly women (Genesis 6). Knust traces the history of the
relationships between heavenly beings and those of earth. This exploration
takes us to the much-quoted story of Sodom and the men who wanted to rape Lot’s
heavenly guests. And we see this angel-human relationship story pop up
centuries later in Jude and 2 Peter. We now return to the stories of Sodom and
the Levite’s Concubine (Judges 19). We learn of several lessons that may be
taken from these stories—especially the importance of showing high respect for
one’s guests (i.e., hospitality norms). We also see the concern of biblical
writers for crossing sexual boundaries between humans and supernatural beings,
which is in contrast to the recent interpretations about male homosexuality. Appropriate
sexual boundaries are also the topic of texts dealing with foreign tribes as
seen in the rape of Dinah (Genesis 34).
I’d call Chapter 6 miscellaneous topics. Bodily
Parts includes a review of biblical voices about Circumcision, Semen,
and the Products of a Woman’s Womb. The history of circumcision and its
role in separating one culture from another is interesting—especially when we
see the considerations of the early churchmen regarding what gentile converts
ought to do. Next, Knust reviews the rules about purification from bodily
discharges and the different paths to becoming clean so that one may enter
God’s holy place. At the end of this chapter, Knust observes the difficulty in
applying ancient interpretations of bodily discharges to contemporary life.
In her conclusion, Knust expresses concern
about biblical interpretations that demean a group of people or form the basis
for denying rights to people. The book’s end matter includes an extensive
bibliography and an index.
Some
Thoughts
I recommend Unprotected Texts to
Christians who want to learn more about the perspectives of ancient Israelites regarding
human sexuality and the righteous life.
Knust’s work joins others in emphasizing the diverse voices within the biblical texts as well as a cacophony of interpretations by biblical scholars and authoritarian clergy. Although published nearly a decade ago, the book remains relevant to contemporary discussions about laws and policies attempting to control human sexual desire. That is, the Bible contains much evidence that regardless of laws, human beings have a hard time controlling their sexual desires.
Knust’s work joins others in emphasizing the diverse voices within the biblical texts as well as a cacophony of interpretations by biblical scholars and authoritarian clergy. Although published nearly a decade ago, the book remains relevant to contemporary discussions about laws and policies attempting to control human sexual desire. That is, the Bible contains much evidence that regardless of laws, human beings have a hard time controlling their sexual desires.
I would certainly recommend this book to
students who are researching various views on sex and gender-linked topics. The
book is relevant to understanding people’s views about sex and gender in any
nation where Christian teaching has been influential in their laws and cultural
norms.
Knust’s view of the Bible as a collection
of works by many men with different views about how godly people ought to behave
is common among biblical scholars. However, the view is not common among
evangelical Christians—especially those who lean heavily toward a
fundamentalist (near literal) interpretation of most texts. Reading
translations of old texts out of their historical context is a danger. Readers
may surely disagree with Knust, but I think her voice is worth hearing—especially
when Christians want to claim they have the correct interpretation of the Bible
and wish to create restrictive laws based on their interpretation.
Sutton,
G. W. (2016). A house divided: Sexuality,morality, and Christian cultures. Eugene, OR: Pickwick. ISBN:
9781498224888
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