The Massacre of the Innocents
Studies in the Cultural Afterlife of a Gospel Scene
Abstract
In The Massacre of the Innocents: Studies in the Cultural Afterlife of a Gospel Scene, Warren Carter examines some fifty instances of the interpretation of the Matthean “Massacre of the Innocents” (Matt 2:16-18). He emphasizes the agency of interpreters, who in their particular contexts and media, “think with” the shocking Matthean scene to address the often-tragic circumstances of their audiences. He argues throughout that the structure of the Gospel scene facilitates this “thinking with.” The scene is structured as a triad of power relations with a tyrant (Herod), victims (infants and parents), and violent means of tyranny (the massacre). Interpreters use this triad of power relations to identify tyrant/s, victims, and means of tyranny in their own situations. Carter illustrates the use of this triad of power relations across two millennia, in numerous socio-political contexts, and media as diverse as sermons, images, poems and hymns, dramas and festivals, films, novels, Christmas carols, and Children’s Bibles.
Schlagworte
king herod massacre of the innocents matthew’s birth narrative matthew’s gospel rachel weeping flight into egypt slaughter of the innocents- i–viii Preface i–viii
- 115–168 Part III: IMAGES 115–168
- 169–210 Part IV: POEMS/HYMNS 169–210
- 211–248 Part V: DRAMAS/FESTIVALS 211–248
- 249–378 Part VI: FILMS 249–378
- 379–394 Bibliography 379–394
- 395–404 Index 395–404
- 405–406 About the Author 405–406