Novas perspectivas de família a partir da leitura do livro de Rute

Abstract

The object of study of this research is the analysis of the story of Ruth and the possibility of its influence on the institution of family, based on its dramas, struggles, and hopes. The narrative presents the universality of God's love: YHWH is not the exclusive God of Israel, but welcomes all peoples. Family solidarity is evidenced in the story of Ruth. Its practice aims to produce well-being not only for Naomi and Ruth, but for the community, strengthening relationships of overcoming and promotion of hope. They build up a new story, based on struggle, determination, and love. The problem presented in this research is: Which values proposed by the book of Ruth can enlighten the current problems regarding family? This story, told "in the time of the judges", refers to customs of the patriarchal family of those ancient times. However, according to recent critics, it was written, in fact, in the post-exilic period, when Jewish families underwent disruption processes. A hermeneutic comparison was searched between the story of Ruth and Naomi and the reality presented. The recognition of family, evidenced by love and devotion, marks the book of Ruth as a testimony of the biblical vision of the family. Mentioning the memory of the family at the time of the judges, the book rescues, for its time, everlasting values and, therefore, valid until the present days