Toxic religion and the daughters of Job

Abstract

This article seeks to add to the possible readings of Job by suggesting that the book portrays and responds to the shaming potential of a form of monotheistic faith in ancient Israel. The first section of the article defines the concept of toxic religion as a shaming belief system. The second section analyzes the conflict between Job and his dialogue partners in terms of a perfectionist retribution theology, a form of toxic religion. The third section suggests that the YHWH speeches in Job 38-41 undo some repressive beliefs which support such a theology. There are analogues between the challenge to these repressive beliefs and recovery from shaming family systems. The empowerment of Job's daughters in 42:15 is seen to be an appropriate response to YHWH's revelation by Job.