Jump directly to A Behavioral Economic Reading of Ruth
Ruth is a Hebrew Bible book that is easy to read in one setting. With only four short chapters, the narrative details cultural and social practices in ancient Israelite society, including social welfare, harvest production, treatment of immigrants, property rights, legal procedures, and more. Ruth is a character in the narrative remembered by Jewish tradition for her faithfulness and devotion to the one(s) she loves. However, you may not realize that Ruth was not an Israelite herself, even though she became the grandmother of Israel’s King David (Ruth 4.22). Additionally, Ruth is remembered in Christian tradition for her placement in the ancestry of Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 1.5).
Since so many socio-economic matters are covered in Ruth, reading the narrative through an economic lens helps us decipher some significant parts of the story. Behavioral economics is a sub-discipline that considers how social influences affect economic outcomes. My podcast is a presentation I delivered on this subject in London at the 2022 Tyndale Old Testament Study Group Conference.
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A Behavioral Economic Reading of Ruth
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Dr. Erica Mongé-Greer is a writer, biblical scholar, and consultant passionate about the intersections of faith, ethics, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience in higher education, she brings deep insight into scripture, theology, and the narratives that shape our understanding of justice and identity. Through her writing, teaching, and consulting, she helps others engage with biblical texts, develop their own voices, and navigate the world of publishing with clarity and purpose. She is the founder of Retreat Write Repeat, a space dedicated to fostering community and creativity for writers. Follow her work at scholarlywanderlust.com.