Reading the Bible is a Gendered Act

Abstract

Reading is a creative activity. The reception of a biblical text depends upon the interpreting subject: his or her background, assumptions, experience, cognitive capabilities and — so this paper argues — upon the reader's gender. Two studies of the role of gender in children's reception of biblical texts are examined. The first, by Stuart Charmé, studies the role of gender in children's readings of the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. The second, by Silvia Arzt, studies the role of gender in children's readings of the story of Vashti in 1 Esther. Both studies reveal that the way in which girls and boys react to religious ideas and texts differs significantly. The paper argues that this should be taken more account of in religious education classes.