Overview

Scripture's abiding relevance can inspire great goodness, but its authority has also been wielded to defend slavery, marginalize LGBTQ individuals, ignore science, and justify violence. Grounded in close readings of scripture and tradition in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, Dangerous Religious Ideas shows us how the interpretive methodologies of these religions have always been aware of its tremendous power both to harm and to heal. Many listeners presume an absolute understanding of scripture's meaning, forgetting that these sacred texts have valued multiple perspectives and ongoing rhythms of change in their histories of interpretation. Rachel Mikva reminds us that it's not a modern phenomenon to debate the nature of truth, hold space open for doubt, and question our capacity to know things--especially about God and God's will--with certainty. In this timely book, she reframes the way we talk about faith to create a space where public discussion of religion is more constructive, nuanced, and socially engaged. Rachel Mikva reminds us that it's not a modern phenomenon to debate the nature of truth, hold space open for doubt, and question our capacity to know things--especially about God and God's will--with certainty. In this timely book, she reframes the way we talk about faith to create a space where public discussion of religion is more constructive, nuanced, and socially engaged.

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9781662053221

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Rachel S. Mikva serves as the Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman Chair and Associate Professor in Jewish Studies, and the Senior Faculty Fellow of the InterReligious Institute at Chicago Theological Seminary. Rabbi Mikva went to teach and earn her Ph.D. at Jewish Theological Seminary, focusing on rabbinic literature and the history of scriptural interpretation. Her courses and research address a range of Jewish and comparative studies, with a special interest in the intersections of scripture, culture, and ethics. Sybil Johnson is a Voice Arts Award-nominated narrator and voice actor. An avid reader, she enjoys her role in making great books available in audio form. She lives in Florida with her family, where they don't visit the beach as often as they should.

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