Scripture, Our Comadre: A Relational Approach to Inductive Exegesis - Softcover

Sophia A. Magallanes-Tsang

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1540969088 ISBN 13: 9781540969088

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2026

Synopsis

This book offers a model for biblical interpretation that invites readers to consider both the context of Scripture and their own social, ethnic, and theological backgrounds.

Bridging biblical exegesis and Latina/o hermeneutics, this work shows what happens when we approach the Bible relationally. Drawing on examples from her Latina context, Sophia A. Magallanes-Tsang outlines this interpretive approach, applies it across different biblical genres, and provides exercises for readers to practice it. She guides readers through three stages: observation during initial reading, investigation as they explore additional sources, and retelling the biblical story. The author highlights what makes her approach distinctive to help readers recognize their own unique perspectives, encouraging them to wrestle and dialogue with Scripture through the Holy Spirit.

As Magallanes-Tsang introduces readers to inductive biblical exegesis, she invites them to engage the Bible as a companion on their faith journey. The book includes charts, exercises, and opportunities for reflection.

About this title

About the Author

Sophia A. Magallanes-Tsang (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is associate professor of Old Testament at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. Her research focuses on Hebrew Wisdom literature and Latino/a/e interpretation of the Old Testament. She has a passion for reading the Bible within diverse communities and making biblical studies an accessible skill for everyone in the pew.

From the Back Cover

"A delightful, whimsical introduction to inductive Bible study with a Latina edge"

This book offers a model for biblical interpretation that invites readers to consider both the context of Scripture and their own social, ethnic, and theological backgrounds.

"An immensely innovative textbook on how to study and apply Scripture through the framework of a Latina lens. As a fellow Latino Old Testament scholar, I wholeheartedly say, '¡Felicidades y muchísimas gracias!'"
--M. Daniel Carroll R., Litfin Divinity School, Wheaton College (emeritus)

"A delightful, whimsical introduction to inductive Bible study with a Latina edge. Magallanes-Tsang finds chisme and comadrazgo in Bible stories and encourages inquiring students of the Bible to be 'metíches' (inquisitive people) and 'chismosos' (interlocutors). Highly recommend for someone who wants to see new life breathed into la Biblia--our Comadre."
--Kay Higuera Smith, Azusa Pacific University

"This work invites every reader into a deeper interpersonal encounter with the Bible. Students of Scripture all across the spectrum will be renewed in their efforts to read, hear, and comprehend the Word of God and to live into the redemptive winds of the Spirit that blow across the (Latin) Americas--even to the ends of the earth."
--Amos Yong, Fuller Seminary

"After years as a pastor and a Bible scholar, I just learned a juicy chisme from Magallanes-Tsang: La Biblia is my comadre. ¡No me digas! And I'm a metíche for asking her too many questions? Wow! I love Magallanes-Tsang's approach to inductive biblical exegesis. This book is what my students need in order to grasp what contextual biblical exegesis is all about."
--Lydia Hernández-Marcial, Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico

"This book models how to read Scripture through one's own cultural lens while attentively listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Accessible, compelling, and theologically rich, it offers a fresh and meaningful approach to the task of biblical exegesis."
--Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III, Vanguard University

"A thorough and engaging approach to biblical interpretation. This study powerfully demonstrates how all readers can connect to the ancient texts in light of contemporary realities."
--Efrain Agosto, Williams College (former visiting professor)

"An invitation to approach Scripture with intellectual curiosity, spiritual openness, and deep trust in God's presence. Readers need not be Latina or Pentecostal to benefit from Magallanes-Tsang's distinctive perspective. All that is required is a love for Scripture, attentiveness to the Spirit, and a desire to hear God's voice speaking through the biblical text to both individuals and communities."--Timothy J. Sandoval, Texas Christian University

Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1540969088
• ISBN 13: 9781540969088
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 152