Taking Up the Cross: New Testament Interpretations through Latina and Feminist Eyes

by Barbara E. Reid (Translator)

Discussions of the meaning of Jesus' passion are at a creative high point, in part because of popular events like Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, but also because of a groundswell of interest in contemporary biblical scholarship. Barbara E. Reid, O.P., here pays attention to the role of women in the accounts of Jesus' passion and observes that some of the interpretations of Jesus' death in the New Testament open us up to life and liberation, while others have been used to perpetuate cycles of violence and victimization. When women have identified their suffering with that of Jesus, this has sometimes given them strength, but has also led to a harmful acceptance of unjust suffering. Reid explores five theological "images" of the death of Jesus through conversation with the voices of women from Mexico, Bolivia, and Peru and examination of the roles of women in the New Testament accounts. The result is an illuminating combination of New Testament exegesis with a liberative constructive theology.

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2007

About the author

Barbara E. Reid, OP, is a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She holds a PhD in biblical studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and is professor of New Testament and vice president and academic dean at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Her most recent books are Taking Up the Cross: New Testament Interpretations Through Latina and Feminist Eyes (Fortress Press, 2007), The Gospel According to Matthew (Liturgical Press, 2005), Parables for Preachers (3 volumes; Liturgical Press, 1999, 2000, 2001), and Choosing the Better Part? Women in the Gospel of Luke (Liturgical Press, 1996). She is general editor for Wisdom Commentary Series (forthcoming from Liturgical Press).

Reviews

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful. Highlights opportunities and liabilities around 5 "clusters" of images for the atonement of Jesus' death. I especially appreciated how it points out how women in Latin america have been living in the light of specific expressions about Jesus' death (like mimicking his sacrifice, or believing that they should suffer silently like they are told he did.)
I don't agree with every interpretation of new Testament texts that she offers, but I think this is a valuable read for its practicality and insight.

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wisdom from, about, for women

Solid research to unmask erroneous interpretations of the meaning of the cross for lives of women. A enlightening Lenten read for women and men.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and discussed this book with a group of women over the course of three months--an enriching experience. The author is a New Testament scholar and a teacher. Here she shows how interpretation of Scripture has been used to liberate and/or to inhibit the lives of Latina women. Heightening awareness of the cultural filters that have been used to color interpretations frees women to see what what is actually written.
The final chapter, which focusses on the image of birthing in many of the stories, including Mary's actions at wedding in Cana and arcing to the crucifixion of Jesus, is especially powerful. The accent is on bringing about new life, rather than on the suffering that comes with that effort.
As in the Scriptures, this is a book about who we are and who God is as shown in the written stories and in our stories, both of which are common, everyday experiences.