A new book

Still on Genesis, though :)

“There are several reasons why emotions were overlooked for much of the 20th century...a hallmark of Western assumptions about emotions is that they are irrational. As such, scholars have not seen them as a particularly important area of exploration. Individuals have set emotions in contrast to reason, seeing the former as private and subjective, with the potential for displaying characteristics that are primitive, immature, animalistic, and even pathological. Third and consequently, as Niko Besnier remarks, academic style calls for muted emotions. When the very medium by which academics express their thoughts tends to minimize the expression of emotions, it is hardly surprising that emotions have not been at the forefront of research. Fourth and closely related, traditional academic research has emphasized the importance of serving as a detached observer. Such an emphasis has led to ignoring and even “tidying up” the emotions. Fifth, modern Western societies place great emphasis on efficiency of labor and advances in technology. Within these cultures, emotions are often seen as an impediment to achievement. They thus do not receive priority in many research agendas.”— From Fratricide to Forgiveness: The Language and Ethics of Anger in Genesis , pages 2-3