Stories Seldom Told
Lois Miriam Wilson
© Northstone Publishing Inc, 1996
Can you
remember what Potiphar’s wife did? Any idea why Lot’s wife looked back?
If these biblical questions are difficult, you’re not alone.
To enlighten us, Lois Wilson has written several
books, including a series of collected stories called Women in the Bible.
Many of us know of Lois Wilson as the first female Moderator of the United
Church, from 1980-82. Since then, she has been an inspiring presence
within and outside of the church. She was the first Canadian President of
the World Council of Churches, was an independent Senator, and has been a
champion of human rights issues.
In this second volume of Women in the Bible,
the subtitle is
Biblical Stories Retold for Children and Adults. Don’t expect a
literal update of an old story though, and don’t dismiss this as a book just for
children. While the stories are written in language that is accessible to
everyone, many of the approaches will be challenging to those of all ages.
Some of
these stories are about women who are, at best, footnotes in well-know stories.
Can any of you remember Potiphar’s wife? She isn’t even given a name in
the Genesis story that sees Joseph sent to prison, and she isn’t a likable or
memorable character. But that’s one of the points to this book: We
don’t have to pretend that all of the neglected women of the Bible were perfect,
although we also read of unconventional women who break stereotypes, are
committed to justice, and act independently.
The best
parts of the book to me are the familiar stories that are retold from the
woman’s point of view. The poem, Why did I look back? is a lament
from Lot’s wife explaining how her anger with Lot combined with her love for her
neighbours persuaded her to give up her own safety. The Adam and Eve story
is retold in Mainly the male version. Eve won’t do things the way
that Adam thinks they should be done. The author writes: ‘Adam became very
bossy and Eve became very nasty’. There’s no black and white in these
stories!
Interspersed with these stories is commentary, including references to the
original Scripture passages, traditional and contemporary interpretations, and
resources for further study. The stories are grouped by categories, but
they don’t have to be read in any order. This is a book to be enjoyed at
many different levels, and is an ideal starting point for discussion groups and
personal reflection.
