Well, SBL is almost upon us, so in the midst of all the sessions, browsing the book stalls, attempting to network, enjoying various receptions and touring San Francisco, one thing to look forward is the bibliobloggers dinner (also announced here, here, here). I had the opportunity to meet many at New Orleans a few years ago and London last July so I look forward to it (other bloggers have noted where to get the best coffee or the new dining attire laws). There has also been discussion about the low rates of female presenters at SBL and abysmally low rate at ETS (here, here, here, here) and I agree with Deane’s analysis about underlying issues with patriarchal structures and values within some conservative versions of Christianity. So the solution does not seem to me to just to lament the lack of representation among biblical scholars, church leadership or in the “biblioblogosphere”, but to ask ourselves how we can use our scholarship and blogs to take a clear stand on full egalitarianism regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture or orientation and work to change the ethos of these academic societies. Okay, next week I will actually start posting on the series I announced last week (I hope).
