Theology and Ecology in Dialogue: The Wisdom of Laudato Si’. By Dermot A. Lane. New York: Paulist Press, 2021. 176 pages. $29.95 (paper).

Abstract

Testament studies as a field. First, Myers consistently attends to differences of scholarly opinion, demonstrating that not all interpreters agree. She presents various hypotheses in evenhanded fashion, positioning herself as a resource and prompting readers to form their own opinions about the evidence. Examples can be found in the discussion of Q on pages – or the list of possible identities for the Beloved Disciple on pages –. Second, she highlights several different contemporary hermeneutical approaches. In her chapter on Luke, Myers illustrates how a gospel’s unique themes can inspire specific avenues of engagement: “Luke’s depiction of Jesus’s compassion for marginalized people, combined with the negative characterizations of the rich and powerful, make it a perfect text to combine with a closer look at aspects of identity in the Roman world such as class, gender, ethnicity, and disabilities” (). Finally, Myers does not shy away from addressing essential ethical issues associated with biblical interpretation, directly confronting the anti-Semitism that is part of the New Testament’s reception history (–, , ). The volume has limitations. The most significant of these is its implicit focus on Western (European) culture and history of interpretation, reflected in the book’s bibliography and the scholars mentioned in the body of the text. Given the stated goals of the Essentials of Biblical Studies series editors—to provide new introductory texts that are responsive to significant demographic changes in biblical scholarship, biblical studies classrooms, and the publishing industry—I was surprised that Myers does not meaningfully engage work from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups of interpreters. This concise and helpful book, suitable for students and casual readers, provides an engaging introduction to New Testament interpretation and its rewards.