The Forgotten Books of the Bible: Recovering the Five Scrolls for Today (Fortress Press, 2018)
You’re probably missing some of the most interesting books of the Bible.
In the Jewish tradition, the five books known as “The Five Scrolls” perform a central liturgical function as the texts associated with each of the major holidays. The Song of Songs is read during Passover, Ruth during Shavuot, Lamentations on Tisha B’av, Ecclesiastes during Sukkot, and Esther during the celebration of Purim. Together with the five books of the Torah, these texts orient Jewish life and provide the language of the faith.
In the Christian tradition, by contrast, these books have largely been forgotten. Many churchgoers can’t even find them in their pew Bibles. They are rarely preached, come up only occasionally in the lectionary, and are not the subject of Bible studies. Thus, their influence on the lives and theology of many Christians is entirely negligible. But they deserve much more attention. With scholarly wisdom and a quick wit, Williamson insists that these books speak urgently to the pressing issues of the contemporary world. Addressing themes of human sexuality, grief, immigration, suffering and protest, ethnic nationalism, and existential dread, he skillfully guides readers as they rediscover the relevance of the Five Scrolls for today.
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"This book is at the same time a summons, an invitation, and an aid to remembering what we have forgotten about the biblical text. Williamson's work teems with compelling contemporaneity!"
Walter BrueggemannColumbia Theological Seminary -
"Reading the five scrolls in the company of human suffering, doubt, and protest, Williamson shows why the ancient writings continue to console, to question, and to cry; their words, and his, deserve to be heard."
Amy-Jill LevineVanderbilt University -
"In Forgotten Books of the Bible, Robert Williamson Jr. calls out to those who have been displaced into the shadowy margins of our narratives and makes their voices come alive. While our commentaries often ignore, wash out, or flatten texts and characters, Williamson listens to their perspectives, recognizes their color, and introduces their three-dimensional personalities."
Carol Howard Merrittauthor of Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with a Loving God after Experiencing a Hurtful Church -
"Williamson dares to stand amid the current intellectual and cultural crosswinds and offers direction by raising important considerations for students, scholars, faith practitioners, and parishioners alike. This book bridges the gap between the classroom and the congregation."
F. Willis Johnsonauthor of Holding Up Your Corner: Talking about Race in Your Community