Intertextuality Between Biblical Texts and Contemporary Culture

Reviews / Votes

Caroline Vander Stichele's research has focused on the impact of the Bible on Western Culture. I recommend the Festschrift to her honor for two reasons. Firstly, its contributors develop a concept and method of intertextuality in a broad sense, not between texts in the Bible, but between Biblical texts and 20th century expressions of art, such as paintings, performances, films, songs and digital games. And secondly, their contributions convincingly show that the Bible still has a many-sided impact on contemporary art and culture. * Adelbert Denaux, Em. Professor New Testament, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven, Belgium ; Em. Dean of Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, The Netherlands * Intertextuality Between Biblical Texts and Contemporary Culture explores how ancient scriptures continue to echo through modern media, from video games like Mass Effect to contemporary cinema. This insightful collection of essays honors the distinguished career of Caroline Vander Stichele by tracing the "communication-dynamics" that occur when biblical themes are reinterpreted across diverse cultural landscapes. Readers will encounter analyses into how texts like the Song of Songs or the Gospel of John are mirrored in everything from Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain to modern science fiction. It is an essential resource for scholars and students alike who are interested in the enduring influence of the Bible on the visual and narrative arts of the modern era. * Richard J. Bautch, Professor of the Humanities, St. Edward's University, Austin * The volume is a welcome addition to catalogue of studies on intertextuality and the biblical literature. Using a communication-oriented approach, the contributors explore various biblical texts and literature, film, and the visual arts. Rather than pursuing an intertextual perspective with a narrow focus on the composition of biblical texts, contributors to this volume use artifacts of contemporary culture to shed light on the possibilities of meaning for the biblical text. Engaging and rewarding! * J. Todd Hibbard, University of Detroit Mercy * This collection of essays, which connect biblical texts with contemporary literature and visual arts from the perspective communicative science, is a fascinating read. The broad range of cases drawn from graphic art, video games, film, ritual performances, sculptures, and science fiction reflects the remarkable variety of ways in which the Bible is addressed in contemporary, carefully-crafted communicative expressions. Through their intertextual observations and analyses, the authors successfully explore theological questions, inviting readers to consider how religious themes are reflected in contemporary artistic expressions of existential issues. * Koert van Bekkum is Professor of Old Testament at the Theological University Utrecht and Guest Professor of Old Testament at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven *