Book Review:
The Bible and Colonialism: A Moral Critique
This book is filled with strong beliefs and intense emotions. The author, who serves as the Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Mary’s University College, University of Surrey (Great Britain), aims to reveal what he views as the troubling moral nature of the biblical stories of the Conquest and Settlement in the Old Testament. He presents three examples to back up his goals and concludes by urging a shift in focus for biblical studies.
Prior's research is categorized into three parts.
The initial chapter (chapter 1) reviews the biblical narrative of the pledge and conquest of the Promised Land from Genesis to Joshua and Judges. However, it ends by discussing the topic that will fill the remaining part of the book: the Bible's role in supporting violent, colonial imperialism. One of his main arguments is that the underlying issue does not primarily stem from incorrect interpretative methods (even though this is something that needs to be addressed). The content that should be scrutinized is the text itself, as there are traditions in the Bible that can be interpreted in oppressive ways due to their inherent oppressive nature. Rephrase the following text using the same language and ensure that the number of words remains the same: (46).
Utilizing the Bible for Colonization
Chapters 2-5 of the second section discuss how these narratives were utilized in different colonization endeavors. He starts by discussing the Spanish conquests in the 15th and 16th centuries in Latin America (chapter 2) and then moves on to talk about the creation of the apartheid regime in South Africa by the Afrikaners (chapter 3). Prior's harshest criticism is directed towards the establishment of the present-day state of Israel. This historical instance is especially significant because it is the prime demonstration of the Jews asserting ownership of the land traditions, linking themselves to biblical Israel and its distinct rights and privileges. Zionism has gained broad support due to the atrocities of the Holocaust during World War II and the literal interpretation of biblical texts by Christians and Jews worldwide.
The Israeli Colonization
However, just like in Latin America and South Africa, the imperialistic venture necessitated (and still requires in modern Israel) the compulsory displacement, use, and even genocide of a less powerful group. Chapter 4 states that Israel was established at the expense of the Palestinians' suffering. Every instance of imperialism, as stated by Prior, may be distinct in its timing and location, yet it shares common characteristics and creates comparable colonial narratives with the other two. The original myths consist of beliefs such as the idea that the land to be acquired was empty or only had a few inhabitants; that the existing peoples were of lesser race; and that the takeover is a divine duty to improve and/or convert these inferior individuals. The author devotes most of this conversation to exposing what he sees as the untruths and reasons behind the different myths that justify the existence of Israel (chapter 5).
Chapters 6-7
Chapters 6-7 of the book aim to propose a resolution to the misuse of what the author perceives as violent, ethnocentric, and xenophobic texts. Firstly, Prior references a new trend in Old Testament research that aims to uncover the socio-political and racial beliefs present in this biblical text (chapter 6). It is argued that these writings were composed after the Exile by individuals who had gone back to Palestine with the purpose of constructing a historical record for their community. The stories, therefore, bear little resemblance to the events that took place during the period they claim to depict. Revealing the true intentions of the Bible should prevent the stories from being manipulated for imperialistic purposes. Believing and applying them as they are may lead to self-deception and harm to others in the end.
The writer acknowledges that this method of interpreting the text brings up concerns regarding the Bible's inspiration and theological significance (chapter 7). Nevertheless, he declines to avoid confronting the severe consequences of the ideological truth he perceives in the text by interpreting it spiritually or allegorically, or by omitting it from the liturgy with a specific lectionary. Prior attempts to convince the reader that the New Testament has replaced these narratives, shifting focus away from a specific land and broadening the definition of the people of God.
A close examination is necessary for understanding The Bible and Colonialism. First and foremost, it emphasizes the important of interpreters and faith communities being mindful of potential biases that could impact how the biblical text is interpreted and applied. His historical perspective greatly illuminates this awareness.
Prior examines three genuine test cases that illustrate the undeniable and unsettling reality of the Bible being used to justify imperialistic endeavors. Every interpretation has inherent value biases. Unfortunately, if we were to study the past two millennia, the number of cases mentioned by the author could be significantly increased.
Utilizing Scholarship to Support a Specific Socio-political Viewpoint
This book brings up yet another crucial point: how scholarship is utilized to support a specific socio-political viewpoint. Due to the reviewer's extensive experience in Central America, he was impressed by Prior's analysis of the Exodus theme in Liberation Theology. Before, liberationists focused on God's response to the oppressed Jews in Egypt but overlooked the fact that the Exodus ultimately resulted in conquest and the annihilation of others. In another place, I have outlined how liberationist scholars utilize specific critical methodologies to back up their theology and praxis (refer to M. Daniel Carroll R., Contexts for Amos: Prophetic Poetics in Latin American Perspective [JSOTSup, 132; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1992], pages 46-47, 312-19). Although Prion's concern is valid, some questions can be raised regarding his selection of critical approaches. T. Thompson is the author most frequently referenced by Prior, who is part of a group known as 'minimalists' that criticize the historical accuracy of the Bible, along with scholars like Garbini, Davies, and Whitelam. This decision exposes him to the criticism of associating with a specific type of scholarship, even though it is widely known, that is currently facing scrutiny for its ideological biases and academic quality.
Fundamental Question
That being said, we are still faced with the fundamental question of the Old Testament text's nature and its relevance for theological contemplation in the present day. It is correct for Prior to acknowledge that there are inevitable challenges to the belief in inspiration. His solution is to reveal and dismiss these texts, instead choosing the attitudes and perspectives of Jesus and other authors in the New Testament; but for those who see the Bible differently, this choice may not be ideal. Still, one must inquire: how can difficult passages be assessed and accepted as Scripture? What are the consequences for the study of books and literature? Certain feminists have also raised the same concern. This is not the appropriate starting point to provide a thorough response, despite the fact that others have already done so in a thorough and nuanced manner (like A.C. Thistleton, F. Watson, and K. Vanhoozer). Prior compels his audience to grapple with the historical context of the text's reception and to delve into the essence of the Bible. While one may not fully believe his interpretation of the text or agree with his conclusion, after reading this book, one should still realize that biblical interpretation is not just a harmless intellectual activity limited to scholars in academia. Interpretation is important.
