Contextual Biblical Interpretation and Theories of Masculinity

Abstract

Abstract Theories of masculinity are resources for contextual biblical interpretation, particularly as this approach to the Bible moves beyond associations with the exotic. Notwithstanding impactful and wide-ranging theories of masculinity, exnomination continues to be a major factor in the neglect and disregard of masculinity (theory) in biblical studies, too. Reducing masculinity to its hegemonic version often entails a failure to interpret the extent, tenacity, and embeddedness of masculinity in various social practices. Ironically, an over-emphasis on hegemonic masculinity has even entrenched its exnomination in other forms. When the exnomination of masculinity (-ies) is curtailed or at least challenged, the contextuality of masculinity theory as well as the explicit theorization of masculinity in contextual biblical interpretation practices are enabled by constructive-critical hermeneutics.