God in the Dock - (Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies) by Carleen Mandolfo (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book examines the dialogic structure of biblical psalms of lament. Observations about voicing are developed out of the work of Mikhail Bakhtin, and are utilized to reevaluate the theological expression of lament psalms as well as components of Israel's rhetorical relationship with its deity. What emerges is a theology that gives voice to the tension that existed between faith in a god who practices flawless "hesed," or covenantal loyalty, and the experience of God's failure to uphold his side of the bargain.

Book Synopsis

This book examines the dialogic structure of biblical psalms of lament. Observations about voicing are developed out of the work of Mikhail Bakhtin, and are utilized to reevaluate the theological expression of lament psalms as well as components of Israel's rhetorical relationship with its deity. What emerges is a theology that gives voice to the tension that existed between faith in a god who practices flawless "hesed," or covenantal loyalty, and the experience of God's failure to uphold his side of the bargain.

Review Quotes

'Her attention to the shift in voice in the lament of psalms can only be welcome...most rewarding'--Sanford Lakoff "European Journal Of Theology "

Mandolfo s study is a model of careful argument and of traditional exegetical method made socially and theologically potent by her concluding interactions with Bakhtin and Brueggemann. This book will benefit anyone working on Psalms, Lamentations, the Prophets or any multi-voiced poetry. Kathleen M. O Connor, Columbia Theological Seminary, Review of Biblical Literature, July 2004

About the Author

Carleen Mandolfo is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Colby College, Waterville, Maine.