A Hebrew scholar rekindles her love for classic Bible stories

Feminist biblical scholarship, once relegated to the sidelines, is now solidly mainstream. Each year, more books, podcasts, and documentaries emerge to challenge the traditional patriarchal readings of the Bible and offer liberatory alternatives. Within such a landscape, it can be hard for a new book to stand out. But Eve Isn’t Evil is a gift. This insightful volume will delight even the most well-read with its cleverness and creativity, making it a commendable choice for readers interested in fresh new approaches to classic Bible stories.

Julie Faith Parker is a visiting scholar at Union Theological Seminary and biblical scholar in residence at Marble Collegiate Church in New York, and Eve Isn’t Evil is written to her strengths: her focus is almost entirely on the Hebrew scriptures. Parker delves into texts with an unparalleled talent for making Hebrew clear and accessible to a lay audience. She continually fills in important historical and cultural context for the less well versed, while keeping her analysis engaging even for advanced readers. A helpful “Bible Basics” appendix provides additional background for those unfamiliar with the texts. Anyone interested in feminist interpretations of scripture—from newcomers to specialists—will find value in Parker’s writing.

Parker takes on some of the most familiar (and challenging) stories within scripture, bringing in recent discoveries and new perspectives to challenge traditional misogynistic interpretations. She offers surprising insights, often turning the assumed lesson of the story on its head. “Instead of seeing Eve as the trashy temptress who brings original sin into the world, we can understand her as the pinnacle of creation,” Parker notes in the first chapter. Her creative retelling of Genesis 1–3 begins like this: