Decolonizing Biblical Studies: Womanist Interpretations of Rachel Weeping (Matt 2:18)

Sébastien Doane

Authors

Sébastien Doane Université Laval

Keywords:

African hermeneutics, Decolonial interpretation, Matthew 2, Rachel weeping

Abstract

This article advocates for rethinking how biblical texts are studied, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and transformative approach. It critiques traditional, often white and Eurocentric methods of biblical interpretation, arguing that they perpetuate biases and marginalize non-Western perspectives; and it presents the need for a decolonized approach that includes diverse viewpoints. This involves recognizing and addressing the biases inherent in classical methods, such as historical criticism, which often ignore or obscure ethical issues and contemporary contexts. In turn, this paper advocates for a hermeneutic of listening and dialogue, particularly with African-American scholars like Mitzi Smith, who offer critical insights into how biblical texts reflect and impact marginalized communities. Smith’s interpretation of Rachel’s weeping in Matthew 2 is used to illustrate how biblical texts can resonate with contemporary issues of racial and social injustice. She links Rachel’s lament to the systemic violence faced by African-American communities, contrasting it with traditional interpretations that focus on historical or theological aspects. This article argues that engaging with diverse interpretive perspectives not only enriches biblical studies but also enhances its relevance and ethical impact, urging scholars to consider the transformative potential of biblical texts in addressing modern social justice issues.

Author Biography

Sébastien Doane, Université Laval

Sébastien Doane is a tenured professor at Université Laval in Québec, Canada. His thesis (Analyse de la réponse du lecteur aux origines de Jésus en Mt 1-2, Peeters 2019) was on the first two chapters of Matthew’s Gospel applying a reader-response methodology. His research focuses on the relation between biblical texts and real readers with regards to gender, affect, and trauma. To find out more, see his recent articles: « Affective Resistance to Sirach’s Androcentric Presentation of a Daughter’s Body » (Journal for Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies), « Echoes of Rachel’s Weeping: Intertextuality and Trauma in Jer. 31:15 » (Biblical Interpretation), « Masculinities of the Husbands in the Genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:2–16)» (Biblical Interpretation), and « An Ass in a Lion’s Skin: The Subversion of Judah’s Hegemonic Masculinity in Gen 38 » (Postscripts). He is a member of the SBL Hermeneutics of Trauma unit.

I became a feminist in my mid thirties and was invited to speak at a National Women Studies Association Annual Meeting. I met great people and realised that as a man, I have a role to play to strive for gender equality. And as a biblical scholar, I must work towards meaningful work, such as this Bible and Violence project. It was only a year ago, in my mid forties, that I truly became aware that I am a descendant of French and English colonisers. My ancestors have lived in North America for the last 300 years. The first American Doane was a deacon in the first New England colony. He came to America Bible in hand and the good book was used to legitimise a violent enterprise. In my chapter, I will focus on Matthew’s version of Jesus’ genealogy. This biblical text does not seem to be violent. However, its interpretations have engendered violence against women and members of first nations. It is important for religious and academic biblical commentators to become aware of the ethical implications of our work.

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Decolonizing Biblical Studies

Womanist Interpretations of Rachel Weeping (Matt 2:18)

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Author Biography

Sébastien Doane, Université Laval

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