Introduction to the Epic Telling for 2018 – I Kings 1-11
Dennis Dewey for the NBS Program Team
As a prerequisite for the acceptance of your bid for stories from Epic Telling of I Kings 1-11 at the 2018 Festival Gathering, you are asked to do a bit of homework. We invite to read two pieces prepared by First Testament scholar and member of the NBS Seminar, Marti Steussy---1) her “scholarly musing” on dealing with troublesome texts entitled “On Trusting Compassion” and 2) the side-by-side translations (from the New Revised Standard Version and the English Standard Version) with Marti’s commentary formatted in a column between them.
Why? Because the story that we will tell together in Dayton is problematical and makes many of us uneasy. Yet, as Marti observes in her musing, “This uneasiness is important.” How do we perform ancient texts that are offensive, contrary to our understanding of what is ethical, stories painfully inappropriate to contemporary sensibilities? Do we ignore these issues and forge ahead on the assumption that this is “The Word of God” to be told without regard to these things? Do we delete the parts that are egregiously hurtful? Or may we tell in such a way as to help our audience understand the text is “fraught”?
In my very first week of seminary I was introduced to a little booklet by theologianKristerStendahl entitled “The Bible and the Role of Women” (Fortress Press, 1966). I no longer have that booklet, but I remember in paraphrase his assertion that became a touchstone for me in interpreting scripture. He asked something like, Is it not possible that we may find in the Scripturesthat which points beyond and corrects Scripture? In my own ministry, I have taught that all biblical texts need to be viewed through the lens of love if we are to appropriate them appropriately---perhaps another way of saying what Dr. Steussy’s title urges.
Recently, I experienced a “Ted Talk” by the African-American painter/sculptor Titus Kaphar entitled “Can Art Amend History?” Kaphar describes the experience of taking his two sons to the Natural History Museum in New York City and seeing there at the entrance the larger-than-life sculpture of Teddy Roosevelt mounted on his horse “bold, strong, sleeves rolled up,” flanked by a Native American and an African-American both walking. His sons’ reaction? "Dad, how come he gets to ride, and they have to walk?That doesn't look fair. Dad, that doesn't look fair”—in reflecting upon which Kaphar asks us, “And why is this thing that's so not fair sitting at the entrance to such an amazing institution?”I encourage you to watch this short, thought-provoking presentation on YouTube ( and then ask yourself, “Can we who tell the biblical stories in dealing with troublesome texts seekto amend both our own understanding and that of our audience?”
How do we tell an Epic that seems to glorify treachery, deceit, the abuse of women, the enslavement of peoples, the pillaging of the environment? Is it not possible that we may find in the Scriptures that which points beyond and corrects Scripture…and ways to tell the stories that are true to the Spirit of Christ and to the Law of Love?
Please follow the links to the two pieces by Dr. Steussy.
When the bidding opens on Saturday, February 17 at noon ET, you will be directed to follow the prompt to enter a key that verifies youhave completed this homework and unlocks the bidding to you.
Along with the NBS Program Team I pray blessings on your uneasiness in the adventure of learning and telling this Epic Story of King Solomon!