Out of Eden: Reading, Rhetoric, and Ideology in Genesis 2-3 (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies)

Out of Eden contributes towards conversations about interpreting scripture. Rather than adopting traditional views (creation and 'fall' or growth), this study integrates literary-critical theories and feminist scholarship to read the Genesis narrative in relation to concerns of contemporary communities. The question of how we might engage the interpretative process and the rhetorical power of texts as we live our lives 'out of Eden' is addressed. Stratton argues that the interpretration of Genesis 2-3 matters, that there are consequences for the actions we take on the basis of our interpretations, and that we should enter the interpretative process only with care.