Interpretive Adventures: Subversive Readings in a Missional School

Interpretive Adventures displays a written synthesis of the biblical scholar and the practicing missionary. The first chapters offer theological originality on the Exodus Story, deconstructs the story of Solomon’s wisdom, challenges traditional readings of Ananias and Sapphira, and reads stories from Samuel as examples of the construction for a nation state. The chapter on a feminist reading of Judges stands out as a formidable challenge for improved gender relations. A careful study of the female characters reveals an important theological concern of God and makes a statement about humanity’s treatment of women in relation to violence. From the vociferous Achsah to the final character, the silent concubine, the decline of the female voice coincides with the escalation of violence. The final theological statement uncovers male treatment of women as a precursor to genocide. It can be said that Judges teaches us that once the female voice is silenced in a given society, then that society is subject to committing acts of genocide. The author’s experience as a teacher and missionary contribute to the final chapters that provide the reader with liberative missional practices for various communities of need in the Philippines. A few brief stories highlight the author’s experiences.

Phillip Michael Garner is a poet and writer who has served as a pastor, a missionary, and a professor. Mike lives in the Philippines and travels Asia in order to better equip his readers and former students through his writing and teaching. He is passionate about presenting Christian faith in the competing field of religious ideology. He is part historian, part social critic and always theological. His religious formation is complimented by an enduring imagination.