Forbidden Fruit and Fig Leaves

Christian theology has concentrated too much on issues around guilt and the needs of the perpetrator of sin, but ignored the strong biblical theme of shame and the needs of the sinned-against. This book seeks to address this lack of serious engagement with shame in scripture. Tracing the story of shame through the biblical story of creation, exodus and exile the author shows how key narratives in the Hebrew scriptures, such as those of David and Job can be read as offering commentary on shaming abuse of privilege and power. Ultimately, the book argues, the culmination of scripture is with the ultimate shaming moment – that of God, on the cross. Provocative and timely, the book demonstrates a crucial lens through which to understand scripture, and is a vital resource for preachers and biblical scholars alike.