The book examines the interplay between sex, gender, power, and religion by reinterpreting biblical texts. It highlights how these elements contribute to the formation of a rape culture, drawing connections between historical religious contexts and modern-day conflicts. Through this analysis, it reveals the persistence of these issues in contemporary society, offering a critical perspective on the enduring impact of religious narratives on gender dynamics and violence.
Quickly changing concepts on gender roles are a pivotal issue in after-colonial African societies. Many women (and men) are calling for a radical change as they feel traditional gender concepts as being oppressive, inhuman and un-Christian. Gender equality, gender fairness is on their agenda. On the other hand, for many men (and women) these societal changes are painful “gender troubles” and seem to be dangerous for gender-based identity, threatening traditional African values. Volume 22 of the BiAS series deals with this central topic by asking what gender troubles have to do with the Bible. Are biblical texts an obstacle for women’s liberation? Is the Bible a divine guaranty for male supremacy or rather an advocate for gender equality? What are “redemptive masculinities” and how do they relate to a new, truly Christian understanding of the role of women in church, society and state? – Scholars from different disciplines and several countries are dealing with these urgent questions to help scholars, students, pastors, politicians and members of Christian churches to find a way to more gender fairness and “gender joy”.