Homoeroticism in the Biblical World by Martti Nissinen
Nissinen's award-winning book surveys attitudes in the ancient world toward homoeroticism, that is, erotic same-sex relations. Focusing on the Bible and its cultural environmentMesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Israel-Nissinen concisely and readably introduces the relevant sources and their historical contexts in a readable way.
Homoeroticism is examined as a part of gender identity, i.e., the interplay of sexual orientation, gender identification, gender roles, and sexual practice. In the patriarchal cultures of the biblical world, Nissinen shows, homoerotic practices were regarded as a role construction between the active and passive partners rather than as expressions of an orientation moderns call "homosexuality." Nissinen shows how this applies to the limited acceptance of homoerotic relationships in Greek and Roman culture, as well as to Israel's and the early church's condemnation of any same-sex erotic activity.
For readers interested in the ancient world or contemporary debates, Nissinen's fascinating study shows why the ancient texts - both biblical and nonbiblical - are not appropriate for use as sources of direct analogy or argument in today's discussion.
Martti Nissinen is Professor of Old Testament studies at the University of Helsinki. He is also the leader of the Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence Changes in Sacred Texts and Traditions. Nissinen is an expert of the prophetic phenomenon in the ancient Eastern Mediterranean, and his research
interests include also gender issues (love poetry, homoeroticism, masculinity) in the Ancient Eastern Mediterranean. His publications include Prophets and Prophecy in the Ancient Near East (Brill, 2003) and Homoeroticism in the Biblical World: A Historical Perspective (Augsburg Fortress (1998).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780800636456 |
| ISBN 10 | 0800636457 |
| Title | Homoeroticism in the Biblical World |
| Author | Martti Nissinen |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | 1517 Media |
| Year published | 2004-04-20 |
| Number of pages | 216 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |