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Jesus And The Samaritan Woman: A Coda, Alan Watson

Scholarly Works

For the final examination in my 'Law and the Gospels' class at the University of Georgia Law School, fall semester in 2004, I set essay questions, one of which was about law in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. Several students chose that option. I had already published on the subject, claiming that the episode involved a sexual 'come-on' by the woman. 'Bucket' was a hidden -- not too hidden -- word for 'penis', 'well' likewise for 'vagina', and 'living water' for 'semen'. In antiquity, as in the modern Western world (until recently), women were …

A Monk's Musings: A Coda, Alan Watson

Scholarly Works

I have set out this coda by my close relative and colleague with some reluctance. My reluctance has nothing to do with the quality of the peace. But Sandy is insistent. He is keen on advancement within his law school. Publications are needed. But no law review would be interested in this; it is too short, and has not enough footnotes.

My reluctance to deal with Sandy's coda increased because it contains no law. Yet, it is precisely that which brings out the importance of the episode of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John. For the …