Barbie and the Bible

This edited collection invites its readers into fresh readings of play and storytelling in the Bible and theology through the lens of the Barbie movie (2023).

For Christopher B. Hays, Meghan Henning, and their contributors, the Barbie movie is not only about pink and mojo dojo casa houses; they argue that it offers a nuanced reflection on Biblical and theological ideas. The chapters herein analyze the cultural impact of Barbie on its own terms, critically engaging its explicit attempts to offer social critiques of capitalism, patriarchy, ableism, and racism. From exploring Ruth Handler as God, Barbie as a jezebel, and historical Judean figurines, this volume’s interdisciplinary interlocutors identify how the film depicts the stories we tell about ourselves, society, and God.