Three Different Readings of Luke 10:38-42: Gadamer,Habermas,and Ricoeur in Dialogue

Abstract

This article aims to compare and contrast three different readings of the biblical story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42), readings grounded upon three different hermeneutical theories of Hans-Georg Gadamer, Jürgen Habermas, and Paul Ricoeur. Given the fact that feminist scholars like Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza criticized the oppressive potential and oppressive interpretations of this passage, I will show how Gadamer, Habermas, and Ricoeur might respond to such a criticism respectively. I will analyze briefly the key arguments of each hermeneutical thinker and propose my constructive reinterpretation of the story on the basis of them. In the conclusion I will construct an imaginary debate between them.