BODIES AND POLITICS IN LUKE 1-2 AND SIRACH 44-50: MEN, WOMEN, AND BOYS

  • Vernon K. Robbins Emory University, Stellenbosch University

Abstract

Alternative body politics place the body in the world and the world in the body in decisively different ways. Luke 1-2 uses a priestly offering of incense in the Jerusalem Temple to begin a body politics that establishes prophetic wisdom in family households. Sirach 44-50, in contrast, uses worship led by the high priest Simon to establish a priestly body politics that brings Woman Wisdom into the Jerusalem Temple. When ritual actions and pronouncements of blessing occur not only in the Jerusalem Temple but also in “family households of God” in Luke, distinctly different “bodies” bring priestly blessing in “holy locations” and distinctly different guidelines determine “inclusion” and “exclusion.” Reversing the body politics of Sirach, Luke 1-2 configures the Jerusalem Temple as a house of God that empowers a new group of “famous men and women” for God’s mighty work in the world.

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Published
2013-06-12
Section
Articles