"This book provides a historical reconstruction of a famous trial in the antebellum American South in which the Bible was invoked alternatively by the prosecution and the defense as both a pro- and antislavery text"--
Leading biblical scholars tell the story of how Samson, a controversial biblical character, became a celebrated icon in African American literature and how Black Samson was used to address race in America.
The book presents a provocative analysis of parables, suggesting that they serve not only as moral lessons but also as tools for shaping and reinforcing judgments and animosity towards audiences. It explores how these narratives can intensify negative perceptions and justify hostile behaviors, offering a critical perspective on their impact in social and cultural contexts.
The book explores the "Suffering Servant" figure in Isaiah 53, presenting a reinterpretation that emphasizes disability. Jeremy Schipper argues that the servant is depicted using language and imagery linked to disability, contrasting with traditional views of an able-bodied individual enduring suffering. This fresh perspective invites readers to reconsider the implications of disability within the biblical text and its broader cultural context in the ancient Near East.