
There are different ways of approaching the Bible. Some scholars are interested in historical events reflected in texts. Others look at how texts came together. I am interested in closely reading biblical texts. Using tools from rhetorical criticism, I investigate both their content and means of persuasion. The image on the left, Lesser Ury's 1895 "Reading with a Magnifying Glass," illustrates the careful study of texts that I deeply appreciate. The works below either explore the field of rhetorical criticism or use its methods.
![]() Methodologically, my book From Fratricide to Forgiveness draws on the tools of rhetorical criticism to conduct close readings of texts in Genesis dealing with anger.
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![]() I use methods of rhetorical criticism in “The Necessity of Permanent Criticism: A Postcolonial Critique of Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven,” Journal of Media and Religion 9 (2010): 129-149 (lead article).
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![]() I explore possible relationships between biblical studies and rhetorical criticism in “Biblical Studies and Rhetorical Criticism: Bridging the Divide between the Hebrew Bible and Communication.” Review of Communication 7.3 (2007): 244-275.
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