Resensi Buku: The Bible and The Third World: Precolonial, Colonial and Postcolonial Encounters, by R. S. Sugirtharajah. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. Pp. x + 306.

Abstract

The book exemplifies a “hybrid” genre in biblical interpretation, blending historical, cultural, and theological analysis with postcolonial critique to challenge Eurocentric readings of Scripture. Sugirtharajah traces the Bible’s evolution from a marginal text in pre-colonial contexts to a tool of imperial control and, finally, a source of postcolonial resistance. He highlights figures like Pandita Ramabai (India) and Olaudah Equiano (Africa), showing how the oppressed reclaimed the Bible for liberation and identity. This work calls for decolonized interpretations that honor the agency of marginalized communities. For seminarians in a globalized world, grappling with the theological implications of such histories is crucial. Sugirtharajah’s exploration urges readers to recognize the Bible’s dual roles as both a tool of oppression and empowerment, fostering a critical, humble approach to biblical interpretation. This review assesses the book’s strengths, weaknesses, and relevance for seminary education, especially in developing contextual, justice-oriented theological perspectives.