Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A Story for Our Times

by Pdraig O'tuama, Glenn Jordan

A leading poet and a theologian reflect on the Old Testament story of Ruth, a tale that resonates deeply in today's world with its themes of migration, the stranger, mixed cultures and religions, law and leadership, women in public life, kindness, generosity and fear. Ruth's story speaks directly to many of the issues and deep differences that Brexit has exposed and to the polarisation taking place in many societies.
Pádraig Ó Tuama and Glenn Jordan bring the redemptive power of Ruth to bear on today's seemingly intractable social and political divisions, reflecting on its challenges and how it can help us be effective in the public square, amplify voices which are silenced, and be communities of faith in our present day.
Over the last year, the material that inspired this book has been used with over 6000 people as a public theology initiative from Corrymeela, Ireland's longest-established peace and reconciliation centre. It has been met with an overwhelming response because of its immediacy and relevance, enabling people with opposing views to come together and be heard.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Religion, Poetry, Faith, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published January 20, 2021

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are only a handful of theologians who don't make my heart run for cover. Padraig Ó Tuama is one of the very few who feel truly safe. This exploration of the book of Ruth is everything I could wish for from a study -- well researched and well rounded, drawing from real-world application (the Corrymeela community used the book of Ruth as a resource for the Truth and Reconciliation project for several years), and personally uplifting and convicting. I wish there were more books in this series!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember the talks (this book are based on) happening in Belfast Cathedral and beyond, and I wasn't able to get to them, and I am sorrier for that, especially to hear the conversations and discussion afterwards. This book and its content are still prevalent even now as we see and feel the after effects of Brexit.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stunning book. A careful, deeply theological and thought provoking reflection and study of the Book of Ruth informed by open and honest conversations around borders and belonging stemming from the debates around Brexit and the Irish border. It sheds new light on the biblical text and asks valuable questions about the ways in which we can have meaningful and safe conversations across lines of difference that just might lead us to solutions we could never have imagined.
‘If we can’t speak kindness to each other, critique won’t be received either. And we need both...’

[Gordon Matties · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a profound reflection on what divides people and places. The author brings into conversation the tensions and troubles of the British/Irish realities, the experience of Brexit, and the losses and dislocations reflected in the Book of Ruth.

A quote: "When great and anxiety govern a community's actions in the civic square, there is often a scapegoat created to carry away that community's worst anxieties. And that scapegoat is frequently the stranger" (p. 53).

The book is exemplary as commentary. It doesn't simply tell us what they think the narrative means, they show us how to bring texts into living conversation with our current realities and experience. It's a prophetic call to abandon othering and to embrace the challenge of letting go of distinctions between us and them.

[Dillon Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have enough words for a real review, just a few adjectives that will have to do the heavy lifting: this book was powerful, evocative, stunning, compelling, thoughtful, and above all else somehow beautiful.

I don't read many beautiful theological commentaries, which is probably because there aren't many in existence. At this moment, this is the only one I can think of, which is probably appropriate, because it stands alone in the best possible way, making its own path and leaving at least this reader changed for the better.

[Rachel Kramer Girgis · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY recommend this book. At just over 100 pages it is a quick read and so relevant to the times we live in. If you want new ways to think about and approach the divisions all around us (Irish/British/Brexit, US/Mexican/immigration, left/right, conservative/liberal, Israel/Palestine) read this book. I feel simultaneously encouraged and challenged.

[Mrs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful example of practical/political theology at work combining deep biblical insight with astute commentary on the political landscape of Brexit and its impacts on people and peoples. With a personal story of one of the authors woven through, there is added poignancy and the prophetic. The reader is faced with working out their own responses and reactions to the text and context.
The questions and poems attached to each chapter give opportunity for deeper reflection and perhaps a group reading of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about understanding the British landscape today particularly as it relates to its neighbours and diaspora relatives. The heart-cry of the book is that we discover the power of kindness to shape nations and families. This is timely and welcome.

[Paul Trembling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Ruth recounts events in another culture, at a time deep in the past. It's often read as a romance, a touching love story about the woman who stays faithful to her mother-in-law, becomes a stranger in a foreign land, and eventually finds love.

But there is so much more in it, and this short but profound book opens up for us some deep lessons that are very applicable for our time and our culture. In particular, issues arising from Brexit, but the implications touch on all issues of identity and nationality, of loyalty and of love.

Thoughtful and thought-provoking, without becoming too ponderous!

[Josh Trice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly an eye-opening and different approach to the book of Ruth. I don’t necessarily agree with everything put forward here, but I did find myself pulled and prodded by the points the authors were making.

The rating may go up over time for me, I just need to do more of my own exegetical work in Ruth.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, outstanding book. The authors take a deep look at the lessons of Ruth and how this book might speak to modern times. I appreciate the balance between thoughtful historical and theological scholarship alongside deep introspection. The book makes the case that Ruth is radical in her challenge to formalized law and her decision to love and love again, even as a Moabite Other.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the insight that the authors gleaned to such a small book of the Bible. I read this book with members of my church, and we were never without conversation topics. The idea of Ruth as a counter narrative really stuck with me. The Brexit context did not figure as prominently as I thought it would, but that was okay with me.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunningly beautiful book. An absolutely gorgeous book. So appropriate for us in the States even though it is stated to be talking about Brexit in context of Ireland. What a wonderful lesson in sacred reading.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important and timely works of theology I have read. So necessary to understand a way across the things that divide us, the law moving in the direction of love. Beautiful book in every way.

[Lorraine Canning · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, short book on both the content and ideas found within the book of Ruth. What it is to belong, what some may do to protect their own interests and the timeless place of women within society are all issues that have been tackled sensitively, yet prosaically. A very interesting read.

[Diana Duell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very in depth look at the chapter of Ruth. I read this for a Bible study group and that helped get more understanding from book. Sometimes hard to read with my limited knowledge of the Bible and the happenings of Brexit (England, Ireland, Scotland controversy).

[Alan Marr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful challenging book about one of my favourite books in the Bible

[Patricia Eichenlaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking!

[Delia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible counterpoint to Tim Marshall’s divided; gave perspectives on Ezra and Nehemiah I would never have looked for, or known to look for.

[Linda Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent, thought provoking. It helped me see the Book of Ruth as a contemporary commentary that remains relevant today.

[Evonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me feeling rested and peaceful. Thankful for the viewpoints expressed and a “different way” of thinking about immigration. New curiosity aroused in regard to the author’s other books.

[Krish Kandiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the fresh and interesting angles on the book of Ruth and the dialogue with contemporary politics.

[Sal Farrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

superb, thoughtful, challenging

[Carrie Cubberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your heart has grown hard, read this book. There is a challenge to keeping the borders of the heart soft—that is the work of grace, and it has changed and can still change the world.

[Mike Fedewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presents the Book of Ruth as a radical book of inclusivity, hospitality and kindness toward the stranger we find on our borders. An important book for our day.

[Marliann Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Seen in Today’s World

This book was used in connection with a Bible Study at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin, TX. We read “Ruth” together, the book on its own. We discussed both.
Written from the viewpoint of English and Irish people, it had just as much meaning for me in the United States during the pandemic which is still going on. It is about families, and relationships, and what pulls families and friends and countries together and apart.
I am rereading parts of it, especially the discussion questions and the prayers. I think it is so filled with truths and Insights that it would be helpful to all trying to make sense of this difficult time.

[Rodie King · Rating 3 out of 5]

P 12 It was interesting reading the Preface and Chapter 1 which gives the liturgical setting of Ruth.
My small group started studying this. Missed last night's meeting. Am up to P22, have 2 weeks to read P 27 still 8 pages to read before Wednesday chapter 3
Chapter 4 read, we have moved onto Lent study, not a book
am continuing to finish this book
P 70 chapter 7 looking at how people approach the gay community
how good to have finally finished

[James Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of Ruth is one of my favourite books in the Bible, and so to read an Irish book written for the Irish and UK context on the book was enough by itself! The fact the book was brilliant only improved things! A narrative and thematic look at the book of Ruth in light of Brexit and the historical relationship between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, it was an easy and enjoyable read. Lots of wisdom and insights and a different perspective on a famous story.