Ruth approach

I am writing in regards to the Oct. 26 “Bible Studies for Life” notes on Ruth in The Alabama Baptist.

While I appreciate that Dr. Leonard was sharing his unique take on Naomi in these notes, he seems to have gone too far in emphasizing the bitterness of Naomi as focused on her daughters-in-law and in interpreting her actions as malevolent.

Numerous leaders and teachers at my church expressed their shock and disappointment in the material and some were deeply angered at this approach. I regret that the limited space assigned to this material was not better used to highlight the kinsman redeemer motif and to focus on the covenant faithfulness of God.

While indeed bitter, rather than treating Ruth terribly Naomi seems to have been very concerned for her daughters-in-law and grieved that she could not provide better for them. Her encouragement for them to go back home should be understood as a recognition that accompanying her would be tough and that they may be better off at home with their birth families.

Likewise, the deep bond that develops between Naomi and Ruth is overlooked as well as the full account of the testimony of the town women in Ruth 4.

Rather than focusing on the possibility of Naomi taking advantage of Ruth and taking her son, the emphasis in the text is on the blessing to Naomi from God through Ruth and by extension to all of Israel in providing for a future king.
While the novel approach taken by Dr. Leonard may appeal in a limited way to some, it denigrated the role of this mother-in-law in helping influence Ruth for the Lord and it assumed actions as evil that typically are not interpreted that way.

As a former professor of biblical studies myself, I understand that encouraging people to look at the text from a different perspective may help readers apply the text to their lives, but this was not the proper channel for such an approach nor was this approach the best use of this space.

Grady Tew, Ph.D.
Flomaton, Ala.