Reconceiving Infertility: Biblical Perspectives on Procreation and Childlessness

Description

In the Book of Genesis, the first words God speaks to humanity are "Be fruitful and multiply." From ancient times to today, these words have been understood as a divine command to procreate. Fertility is viewed as a sign of blessedness and moral uprightness, while infertility is associated with sin and moral failing. Reconceiving Infertility explor

Candida R. Moss is professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame. She is the author of Ancient Christian Martyrdom: Diverse Practices, Theologies, and Traditions, among other books. Joel S. Baden is professor of Hebrew Bible at Yale Divinity School. His books include The Composition of the Pentateuch.

"This book brings to light biblical ideas that challenge 'modern natural assumption about infertility.' Required reading for those interested in biblical and/or disability studies."--Choice "[A] provocative and palliative book."--Amy-Jill Levine, Irish Theological Quarterly "The last 90 pages of this elegantly produced book include a wealth of scholarly material as well as the usual subject index. In other words, the text not only draws upon a range of resources perhaps not expected by the title, presented with organization and clarity, making the content accessible to a wide range of readers."--Ann Loades, Theology "Reconceiving Infertility is a valuable contribution to a variety of emerging and established conversations in biblical studies, including those on gender, disability studies, family structures, and childhood."--Laurel Koepf Taylor, Catholic Bible Quarterly