Genesis: Blog #1

As it is a part of the title, it's surprising that poisonwood is mentioned in the very first book (Genesis) on page 39. We learn it is a plant with white sap that “bites” and gives you rashes. But more importantly, I think the title may be talking about something beyond its literal meaning. For instance, I think the term “poisonwood bible” is perhaps referring to how the Christian missionary work (thus the mention of the Bible) is not as painless and satisfying as the Price family most likely first thought; in the same way that the poisonwood can “bite you” (39), the Bible’s message can also be difficult to preach or to be grasped. This is somewhat demonstrated when “for [their] first few weeks in Kilanga, attendance in church had been marked by almost total absence” (45). The Price family no doubt felt disheartened at this lack of response in their “uninformed subjects” and probably wondered why God wasn’t stirring up a desire in these people to hear His Word (the Bible scripture).

In addition, almost as soon as this family comes to Kilanga, they are beset with problems and setbacks. One example is when the Congolese people avoid the Kwilu River, and Reverend Nathan Price doesn't know why. It is only after much resistance on the part of the natives that he learns of the little girl who had been killed and consumed by a crocodile in the river. Since baptism is obviously considered a huge issue in the Baptist church, Reverend Price most likely felt frustration while the Congolese people kept the story of the little girl withheld.

Other examples are with the Reverend’s garden and Orleanna’s cake mix. When the rain drenched the garden and the humidity clumped the cake mix, it was another set of difficulties and hardships the Price family had to endure. They had thought they came to the Congo completely prepared, but this was not so. Their job was more difficult than they imagined, and their trials and hardships were proof of that. Therefore, just maybe the title of this book we’re reading is referring to how the job of spreading Christianity is painful and irking at times and not always rewarding.