Mythoi, Monomyth, and a Missing Mother: The Archetypal Significance of the Prodigal’s Quest in Luke 15:11–24

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

I found this essay interesting but not altogether convincing. I am willing to give it the green light, though, on the basis of its demonstration of a potentially useful approach to biblical hermeneutics. From beginning to end, the essayist has to work to show how the parable fits the pattern alleged, sometimes seeming to press the parable into a prior mold. This means overlooking some aspects of the parable and over-reading others. It’s not easy for me to see how the younger son is a “hero,” even after reading the essayist’s rationale for naming him as such. The author assumes as a fact that the younger son involved himself with prostitutes—something the elder son, but not the narrator, alleges. I wondered how this approach might differ from or contribute to more contemporary approaches with a similar remit, such as cognitive narratology. I found throughout that the author was entirely too dependent on Bailey.

I found this essay interesting but not altogether convincing. I am willing to give it the green light, though, on the basis of its demonstration of a potentially useful approach to biblical hermeneutics. Issues: From beginning to end, the essayist has to work to show how the parable fits the pattern alleged. This means overlooking some aspects of the parable and over-reading others. For example, it’s not easy for me to see how the younger son is a “hero,” even after reading the essayist’s rationale for naming him as such. Another example: The author assumes as a fact that the younger son involved himself with prostitutes—something the elder son, but not the narrator, alleges. I wondered how this approach might differ from or contribute to more contemporary approaches with a similar remit, such as cognitive narratology. I found throughout that the author was entirely too dependent on Bailey.

Author Response

Thank you for accepting the article and affirming its potentially useful approach to biblical hermeneutics. Thank you also for your critiques, which I believe represent evidence that this article invites quality academic discussion, regardless of whether or not one might agree with the validity of the proposed approach to this parable.

Yes, I did find Bailey very helpful and insightful for study of this parable as he has written many works on this parable, but accept your critique that I may have been a bit overly dependent on him or drawn to his interpretation and insights.

Reviewer 2 Report

A penetrating, insightful application of archetypal criticism to a well-known parable of Jesus. This is a cogent, well-written introduction to an established literary methodology for use in biblical studies.  The author accomplishes a self-appointed goal of showing why this parable has enduring appeal by elevating hidden features of the parable to the level of self-conscious reflection.  The paper only needs the minor addition of commas to the sequence "the best robe a ring sandals" in line 311 unless this is an intentional stylistic maneuver of the author.

Author Response

Thank you for your commendation!

I have made the change on line 311 by adding the commas.