Beyond Religious Crisis: An Intersectional Reading of the Body and Land Imagery in Hosea

Lady Paula Reveny Mandalika

Research output: PhD ThesisPhD-Thesis - Research and graduation internal

125 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This research analysed intersectionally the metaphors in Hosea 1̶ 2 and 4:1 ̶ 3 using cognitive theories of metaphor, social scientific criticism and ecofeminism in dialogue with three different communities in Indonesia from Poso, Sumba, and Yogyakarta. Intersectionality facilitates a nuanced examination of the interplay between family and social disintegration, land, and socio-economic dynamics in Hosea, as well as the interconnectedness of ecological bodies. The interconnection of all nature’s bodies has received little attention from researchers on Hosea. Therefore, the main research question asks further to what extent can the intersectional reading with Indonesian communities, focusing on land and body imagery in Hosea, serves as a reading process which contributes to justice? The research argues for a broader crisis than just the religious crisis of Baal worship. It also highlights that the promiscuity that uses the woman’s body is problematic and deserves critical examination, as it often shapes women’s sexuality as controlled by society. The basic premise is that Hosea 1̶ 2 and 4:1 ̶ 3 criticise social economic crisis that result in social disintegration and a fragmented relationship with the land and different nature bodies. The reading of Hosea, which is interwoven with intercontextual reading as a way to give voices to marginalized communities, employs the metaphor of social promiscuity to highlight societal challenges that threaten the solidarity and kinship bonds, including the relationship with other ecological bodies. Promiscuity is not just a private matter but is part of the broader discourse of economics, gender, political, and ecological crisis. Intersectional analysis of Hosea has contributed to an alternative interpretation that highlights the concern about socio-economic crisis with devastating impact on social relations and the well-being of nature's bodies in the ecosystem. The research is a prompt to broaden the analysis on the limited discussion on marriage imagery in Hosea that rarely talks about domination, hierarchy, social disintegration, and violence to the human bodies and the bodies of nature. The family metaphor in Hosea signifies the importance of interdependent relations and the hope for reconciliation between all members of ecological bodies, not only human ones. Therefore, the research highlights the power of connection and sharing so that all ecological bodies flourish to experience life and blessing. It emphasises the hope for a better re-integrated relationship.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationPhD
Awarding Institution
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Dubbink, Joep, Supervisor
  • Singgih, E.G., Co-supervisor, -
  • Slee, Nicola, Co-supervisor, -
Award date20 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Intersectional reading of Hosea
  • Cognitive and affective metaphors in Hosea
  • The metaphor of land and body
  • Social political dynamic of eight-century Israel and Judah
  • Intercontextual community reading
  • Ecofeminist
  • Family metaphor in Hosea
  • interconnection
  • Ecological Justice.
  • Biblical interpretation
  • Contextual interpretation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Beyond Religious Crisis: An Intersectional Reading of the Body and Land Imagery in Hosea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this