Why do African Old Testament Scholars not write on Song of Songs?

Abstract

For this reflection on why black African Old Testament scholars do not write on Song of Songs five scholars from the University of South Africa were briefly engaged by means of personal interviews. The findings reveal that the main reasons for this situation could be classified into three categories, namely (i) cultural constraints, (ii) technical reasons (e.g., lack of skills to interpret Song of Songs in culturally accepted language) and (iii) doctrinal (e.g., doubt about the content of Song of Songs). Customary and culturally relevant communication tools such as poetry, drama, dance and the like that already exist in an African context are suggested as resources that could be unearthed by scholars who want to write about eros without shame and reservation. Further research is also suggested as this would bring to the fore reasons that are deeply rooted in society.