Theresa K. (Tesstarosa) -
The stories werent as titillating as I was expecting, but Coogan does define a few biblical terms that in current terminology dont make any sense as being offensive, such as letting the reader know that references to hands and feet that shouldnt be shown are euphemisms for penises. He also points out, quite often, that in biblical times women were property and violating (that is having sex with) a women wasnt a crime because it hurt the woman, but because it damaged a mans property. A father because he wouldnt have a virginal daughter to offer a future husband and the husband because she was his wife.
He points out the many contradictions about sexual behavior and confirms that in many passages that bible says certain behaviors are bad. But, he also points out that many of the references to other sexual behaviors arent about the sexual behavior. (The stories of the men who want to rape the male visitors arent stories against homosexuality they are stories about hospitality and men who are doing a really bad job of offering it to travelers.)
A very interesting and enlightening look at the bible and its views on sex and sexual behavior.
He points out the many contradictions about sexual behavior and confirms that in many passages that bible says certain behaviors are bad. But, he also points out that many of the references to other sexual behaviors arent about the sexual behavior. (The stories of the men who want to rape the male visitors arent stories against homosexuality they are stories about hospitality and men who are doing a really bad job of offering it to travelers.)
A very interesting and enlightening look at the bible and its views on sex and sexual behavior.
