The Book of Esther: "Opus non gratum" in the Christian Canon

Abstract

The book of Esther tends to be an unaccepted book in Christendom. Indeed, Martin Luther expressed contempt for Esther, claiming that it is spoiled by too much "pagan impropriety." Such denigration, however, is ultimately based on a serious misreading of this OT book. Esther offers readers an insightful satire of the pagan world and yet at the same time provides a glimpse of the dangers the Jewish people have faced in the diaspora.