In the Wake of the Goddesses
Mike Ervin

In The Wake of the Goddesses

Tikva Frymer-Kensky’s In the Wake of the Goddesses: Women, Culture and the Biblical Transformation of Pagan Myth is a seminal work that examines the evolution of female divinity from ancient Mesopotamian polytheism to Israelite monotheism. Combining rigorous scholarship with accessible prose, Frymer-Kensky offers a nuanced exploration of gender, theology, and cultural transformation in the ancient Near East.

Overview and Structure

The book is divided into three main parts:

1. The World of the Goddesses: This section delves into the roles of goddesses in Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian societies. Frymer-Kensky illustrates how these deities embodied various aspects of life, from motherhood and domesticity to warfare and sovereignty. Over time, however, female deities were increasingly marginalized, with their domains absorbed by male gods, reflecting and reinforcing patriarchal societal structures . 
2. In the Absence of Goddesses: Biblical Transformations: Here, Frymer-Kensky contrasts the polytheistic traditions with the monotheistic framework of the Hebrew Bible. She argues that the Bible’s singular, male deity subsumed the functions once distributed among multiple gods and goddesses. This shift not only altered theological concepts but also redefined human relationships and societal norms, particularly concerning gender roles . 
3. Sex and Gender: The Unfinished Agenda: The final section explores the implications of these theological transformations on concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality. Frymer-Kensky discusses how biblical laws and narratives reflect and shape societal attitudes toward issues like adultery, homosexuality, and gender identity, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these ancient texts in contemporary discussions . 

Scholarly Reception

Frymer-Kensky’s work has been widely acclaimed for its interdisciplinary approach, blending Assyriology, biblical studies, and feminist theory. Martha T. Roth, writing in Shofar, praises the book for its “impeccable academic standards” and insightful analysis of gender and theology in ancient texts .

Audrey Shore highlights the book’s accessibility and its challenge to romanticized notions of ancient goddess worship, noting that Frymer-Kensky provides a “grounded antidote for traditional pietistic readings of the Bible” .

The Biblical Review commends the book’s holistic approach, stating that it “speaks to any audience, Jewish, Christian, or Muslim,” and offers valuable insights into the influence of Mesopotamian culture on the development of ancient Israel .

Reader Feedback

Readers have found In the Wake of the Goddesses to be both enlightening and thought-provoking. One reviewer on ThriftBooks describes it as “an outstanding work for anyone interested in the goddess mythology of the Ancient Near East,” emphasizing its value for students and scholars alike. Another notes its utility in researching sacred prostitution and goddess religions, appreciating Frymer-Kensky’s articulate discussion and critical perspective .

Conclusion

In the Wake of the Goddesses offers a compelling exploration of the transformation of female divinity and its impact on cultural and religious paradigms. Frymer-Kensky’s scholarly yet accessible narrative invites readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about gender, theology, and the evolution of religious thought. Whether you’re a student of ancient history, theology, or gender studies, this book provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between mythology and societal norms.

In the Wake of the Goddesses

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