Kathleen O’Connor “Jeremiah, Pain and Promise”

critical review of Kathleen O’Connor’s book, Jeremiah:

Pain and Promise

Your review should evaluate O’Connor’s approach to reading the book of Jeremiah and express your critique of it

based on what you learn in this course about reading the Bible through the lens of trauma. A hard-copy of this

assignment is due in-person during Week 11 for Peer Review (Thurs Mar 21). After making edits and revisions based

on your peer reviewer’s comments, you will submit your paper for a grade (Tues Mar 26).

This book is approximately 190 pages, so please plan accordingly to complete this assignment. I will be assigning

chapters over the next few modules so that you complete the book before the due date, but you can also read ahead

as you are able.

Reviewing critically means thinking carefully about the strengths AND weakness of the author’s argument.

• Make sure you clearly and concisely explain the methods that O’Connor uses to interpret Jeremiah, her
• definitions of trauma, and how her approach to Jeremiah is applicable or relevant to modern-day readers.

Provide some specific examples but remember that this is NOT a book summary assignment. Explain how the

• example(s) you use demonstrate the strength or weakness of her approach to understanding Jeremiah. If you

need to summarize some of O’Connor’s main points, make sure you explain why you think these points are

important (helpful/unhelpful) to the reader.

Some questions to consider in your critique:

What kind of approach(es) does O’Connor use in her biblical interpretation? How is her approach unique?

• How do modern concepts of trauma apply when interpreting ancient biblical passages?
• What aspects of O’Connor’s biblical interpretation are helpful to you as a reader/student? What aspects are
• not as helpful? Do you think her approach limits understandings of the book of Jeremiah?

See ‘Critical Review – Questions to Keep in Mind’ in the Assignment Guidelines module for more questions to

consider as you write your critical review. Demonstrates a clear

understanding of the

important points of the book,

includes critical and balanced

evaluation of the strengths

AND weaknesses of author’s

points. Provides specific examples

(cites page numbers) to

support claims of strengths

AND weaknesses. Makes a strong case for how

the author’s approach applies

to modern readers. Well-written, organized,

concise, strong topic

sentences and transition

sentences, length of paper

within assignment parameters