Shame in the Individual Lament Psalms and African Spirituality

The book explores how the rhetorical function of «bôš» («shame») and its cognates within twelve Individual Lament Psalms (ILP) reflect persuasive responses aimed at enhancing the relational spirituality of the psalmist. It argues that the Hebrew terminology of «bôš» is used as a response to enhance a spirituality of relatedness. The author argues that the plea for positive shame is to enhance positive spirituality that leads to changes of attitude, repentance, faithfulness, self-knowledge, and wholeness. Negative shame influences negative spirituality that leads to destruction and unworthiness. The volume reflects African Christian spirituality elucidating the psalmist’s perception of positive shame.

Mark S. Aidoo is a lecturer in Old Testament Studies and Hebrew at Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon (Ghana). He studied theology at the Trinity Theological Seminary (Ghana), at Princeton Theological Seminary (USA) and Seoul Christian University (South Korea). He is a member of the Ghana Association of Biblical Exegetes (GABES) and International Organization for the Study of Old Testament (IOSOT). He also serves as the Director for Special Programmes at Trinity Theological Seminary (Ghana)- His research interests are biblical interpretation, Hebrew poetry, and biblical leadership.