Gale A. Yee, a professor of biblical studies emerita at Episcopal Divinity School proposes the idea that “In order to become prophets ourselves, to critique the unrelenting drive for profits in capitalism and recover the positive ethics of tribal living, we must become educated in the systemic structures of the U.S. economy and of capitalism itself, and then through our God-given gifts, strive to create a more equitable, just society.” I certainly do not agree with this as it deviates from what I believe is the true path outlined by the Church. In her article, she relates King Solomon’s monarchy to Panem from “The Hunger Games” since it is divided into 12 states with a central body receiving the bulk of the surrounding modes of production. I don’t doubt that the central state in which King Solomon resided received most of the means of production but I think to call the farmers “exploited” falls into a marxist interpretation. Yee focuses on the power dynamics once again to view the Bible through the lens of critical theory, “Its stories of exploitation are usually not discussed in studies that focus on “daily life” in ancient Israel and in seminary classes on the Old Testament.” Once again, I would like to point out that the vast majority of prophets and righteous individuals were peasant class.
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