Coloe Gospel of John

The Wisdom Commentary (WC) series is the first scholarly collaboration to offer detailed feminist interpretations of every book of the Bible.

John 1–10 which is in the Wisdom Commentary Series is authored by Mary L. Coloe PBVM. Coloe is professor of the New Testament at Yarra Theological Union, a college of the University of Divinity in Melbourne. The commentary is rich in theological and pastoral insights on this profound gospel. Furthermore, the feminist viewpoint of this author and series strengthens the Gospel's enduring message.

The book contains an extensive introductory section, written by the editor of the commentary series, Barbara Reid, which is a terrific read. This section explains that the series is a reflection of the third wave of feminism, which does not embrace only one methodological approach but rather considers different methodologies. A statement of methods, and one can only applaud the editors for their ambitious goals to for instance take into consideration different denominational and interreligious balances.

All in all, for someone who does not have any prior knowledge of feminism and Biblical studies, the introduction provides all the necessary information that one may find useful before progressing to read the actual commentary. This commentary is rich with insights of the Gospel of John. Coloe interprets the Gospel of John against both the backdrop of a historical context and through a modern literary lens.

The only flaw of the book is Coloe's attempts to link John's Gospel with a hypothetical "Johannine community" formed after the fall of the Temple. I get the impression that the commentators hold the biblical authors and the western Christian tradition in general in the highest regard. When the commentary aims to presuppose and biblically interpret the same text that ought to serve as the foundation for theological inquiry for preaching and teaching, it is easy to understand what value this commentary has for preachers and teachers.

Thanks to Liturgical Press for a review copy.

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