Multiracial Biblical Studies

Abstract:The primary goal of this article is to provide justifications for moving from monoracial to multiracial biblical studies. I argue that a diagnosis of whiteness as a methodological problem is both timely and necessary and, further, that addressing the issue directly—rather than circumventing it—is crucial for diversifying biblical studies. To that end, decentering whiteness as a singular foundation and foregrounding a multiplicity of global voices, perspectives, and starting points are crucial for envisioning biblical studies beyond whiteness. In putting forth this claim, I appeal to multiracial coalitions of Africana, Asian, Indigenous, Islander, Latinx, and White scholars across racial/ethnic, generational, and geographical lines who have laid the foundation for this work. If multiracial biblical studies represents the antithesis of a monoracial Eurocentric biblical studies, how can a new and emerging generation of scholars enact the necessary changes through mutual dialogue, partnerships, and coalition building?