How we understand the world is influenced by our background and experiences. For each of us, there will be some things that grab our attention, others we overlook, some things that we celebrate, others we condemn. Critical theories describe and develop these sensitivities, allowing us to see things that were previously hidden, giving us a sense of how the world works, and showing us how to make it better.
In recent decades feminist, postcolonial, race and queer theories have played an important role in shaping mainstream public discourse and policy. But what happens if we let the Bible, with its own distinctive emphases and outlook, fashion a critical approach to modern society? Associate Professor Christopher Watkin will explore this question in his 2023 New College Lecture series, as he discusses some of the unique, fresh, and often surprising insights to be drawn from a biblical critical theory.