This edited collection invites fresh readings of play and storytelling in the Barbie movie (2023) through the lens of the Bible and theology.
For Christopher B. Hays, Meghan R. Henning, and their contributors, the Barbie movie is more than pink and mojo dojo casa houses; they argue that the film offers a nuanced reflection of 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 both Jesus and a jezebel, and historical Judean “doll-like” figurines, this volume's interdisciplinary interlocutors identify how Barbie depicts the stories we tell about ourselves, society, and God.

Christopher B. Hays is D. Wilson Moore Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller Seminary and a research associate of the University of Pretoria (S.A.).

Meghan R. Henning is Professor of Christian Origins and Senior Assistant Provost of Undergraduate Curriculum and Student Success at the University of Dayton.