Religion as a category of governance and sovereignty /
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Religious-secular distinctions have been crucial to the way in which modern governments have rationalised their governance and marked out their sovereignty - as crucial as the territorial boundaries that they have drawn around nations. The authors of this volume provide a multi-dimensional picture of how the category of religion has served the ends of modern government. They draw on perspectives from history, anthropology, moral philosophy, theology and religious studies, as well as empirical analysis of India, Japan, Mexico, the United States, Israel-Palestine, France and the United Kingdom.
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1 online resource (x, 328 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004290594 :
2214-3270 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
The Khōjā of Tanzania : discontinuities of a postcolonial religious identity /
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The Khōjā of Tanzania, Discontinuities of a Postcolonial Religious Identity attempts to reconstruct the development of Khōjā religious identity from their arrival to the Swahili coast in the late 18th century until the turn of the 21st century. This multidisciplinary study incorporates Gujarati, Kacchī, Swahili, and Arabic sources to examine the formation of an Afro-Asian Islamic identity (jamatī) from their initial Indic caste identity (jñāti) towards an emergent Near Eastern imaged Islamic nation (ummatī) through four disciplinary approaches: historiography, politics, linguistics, and ethnology. Over the past two centuries, rapid transitions and discontinuities have produced the profound tensions which have resulted from the willful amnesia of their pre-Islamic Indic civilizational past for an ideological and politicized 'Islamic' present. This study aims to document, theorize, and engage this theological transformation of modern Khōjā religious identities as expressed through dimensions of power, language, space, and the body.
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1 online resource (xvii, 226 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004292888 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Reanimating Qohelet's Contradictory Voices, Studies of Open-Ended Discourse on Wisdom in Ecclesiastes.
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Ecclesiastes, also known as Qohelet, is a fascinating text filled with intriguing contradictions, such as wisdom's beneficial consequences, God's justice, and wisdom's superiority over pleasure. Under the paradigm of modernism, the contradictions in the book have been regarded as problems to be harmonized or explained away. In Reanimating Qohelet's Contradictory Voices , Jimyung Kim, drawing on Mikhail Bakhtin's insights, offers an alternative reading that embraces the contradictions as they stand. For Kim, Qohelet's or the protagonist's contradictory consciousness is dialogically constructed by his contact with a complex web of discourses. Instead of harmonizing them or explaining them away, Kim identifies various dialogic voices available to Qohelet and demonstrates how those voices constitute Qohelet's contradictory utterances and construct his unfinalizable identity.
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1 online resource. :
9789004381063
Religious diversity in Asia /
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The religious landscape in Asia has long been diverse, with various forms of syncretic traditions and pragmatic practices continuously having been challenged by centrifugal forces of differentiation. This anthology explores representations and managements of religious diversity in Japan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and diaspora religions originating in these countries, seen through the lenses of history, identity, state, ritual and geography. In addition to presenting empirical cases, the chapters also address theoretical and methodological reflections using Asia as a laboratory for further comparative research of the relevance and use of 'religious diversity'. Religious Diversity in Asia was made possible by a framework grant from the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation allowing the grant holder (Jørn Borup) and two colleagues (Marianne Q. Fibiger and Lene Kühle) to host a workshop at Aarhus University and to co-arrange workshops in Delhi and Nagoya. We would like to thank professors Arshad Alam and Michiaki Okuyama for hosting these latter workshops at Jawaharlal Nehru University and Nanzan University, and we would like to thank Professor Chong-Suh Kim for the invitation for Jørn Borup to visit Seoul National University. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all the scholars who participated in the workshops and to all the authors we subsequently invited to contribute to our endeavor to create this academically relevant volume.
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Includes index. :
1 online resource. :
9789004415812
Sustain me with raisin-cakes : Pesikta deRav Kahana and the popularization of rabbinic Judaism /
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History and literature come together in a new way in this study of the midrashic collection Pesikta deRav Kahana. The book combines the findings of rabbinic historians and early Christianity scholars with a close reading of this midrashic text on its own and in relation to the tannaitic midrashim which preceded it. The rich picture that emerges suggests that PRK, in its new homiletical and aggadic stance, develops a religious language more appealing and accessible to the masses, an outreach language meant to win rabbinic popularity. Exploring issues of power and rhetoric, the book also places PRK's outreach language into the cultural context of the imperialism of Roman Christian homily.
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Revision of author's thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 2004 under title: Rabbinic preachers and their audiences in the Amoraic midrashim Pesikta derav Kahana and Leviticus rabbah. :
1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references (p. [209]-214) and indexes. :
9789047442288 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
The New Testament and early Christian literature in Greco-Roman context : studies in honor of David E. Aune /
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This volume is a collection of scholarly studies honoring Prof.Dr. David. E. Aune on his 65th birthday. Its title, The New Testament and Early Christian Literature in Greco-Roman Context: Studies in Honor of David E. Aune , reflects Prof. Aune's academic training, interests, and extensive publications. The volume's studies investigate a range of topics within the Pauline correspondence, Gospels, Apocalypse of John, and other early Christian writings with insights drawn from Greco-Roman culture and Hellenistic Judaism. Thus, the studies make use of Greco-Roman literature, rhetoric, magic, medicine, moral philosophy, iconography, archaeology, religious cults, and social conventions while also utilizing social-historical, social-scientific, literary-critical, and rhetorical-critical methodologies, thereby adding an interdisciplinary dimension to the volume. These groundbreaking studies have been written by prominent international scholars and are published here for the first time.
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1 online resource. :
"David E. Aune's major publications": pages [445]-456.
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789047407140 :
0167-9732 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Monachus et sacerdos : asketische Konzeptualisierungen des Klerus im antiken Christentum /
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"In Monachus et sacerdos untersucht Christian Hornung die Asketisierung des Klerus im antiken Christentum. Vor dem Hintergrund der grundsätzlichen Bedeutung der Askese in der Antike nähert er sich dem Thema unter vier Perspektiven: der Theologie, Disziplin und Pastoral der Asketisierung sowie den Widerständen gegen ihre verbindliche Durchsetzung im Klerus. Analysiert werden theologische Begründungen der Asketisierung, ihre Einforderung in der kirchlichen Disziplin sowie die konkrete Umsetzung in der Pastoral. Ein eigenes Kapitel ist den Widerständen gegen die Durchsetzung der Asketisierung gewidmet. Hornung kann überzeugend aufzeigen, dass die Asketisierung als ein umfassender Prozess einer zunehmenden asketischen Konzeptualisierung des Klerus zu deuten ist, der sich an die Professionalisierung in vorkonstantinischer Zeit anschliesst und zu einer Ausdifferenzierung unterschiedlicher christlicher Lebensformen führt. In Monachus et sacerdos Christian Hornung examines the asceticism of the clergy in late antique Christianity. Concerning the fundamental importance of asceticism in Antiquity he approaches the topic from four perspectives: the theology, discipline and pastoral care of asceticism as well as the opposition against its binding enforcement in the clergy. The theological justifications of asceticism, its demand in ecclesiastical discipline and its concrete implementation in pastoral care are analysed. A separate chapter is devoted to resistances against the enforcement of asceticism in the clergy. Hornung convincingly demonstrates that the asceticism is a broad process of increasing ascetic conceptualization of the clergy, which follows the professionalization in pre-Constantine time and leads to a differentiation of Christian life forms".
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1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004421318
Irenaeus on creation : the cosmic Christ and the saga of redemption /
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Scholarship on Irenaeus has long acknowledged the centrality of creation to his theology, yet without fitting this theme securely into the Christological vision of Christ the 'Recapitulator'. Studies have considered elements of Irenaeus' cosmology and anthropology in extraction; but without seeing creation as an intrinsic part of his Christocentric vision, these have only partially been able to capture the intricacy and significance of his embrace of the creation saga. Drawing on the most recent Irenaean scholarship, the present volume explores in detail the Christocentric cosmology of one of the second century's greatest writers, setting him in the context of the theological currents of his day. The result is a volume that offers new insights into the trinitarian articulation of early Christianity, the full significance of humanity as bearing God's 'image', and a fuller reading of the details behind the title, 'Irenaeus the creationist'.
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1 online resource (xii, 244 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 227-237) and index. :
9789047433439 :
0920-623X ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Aldous Huxley and Alternative Spirituality /
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Aldous Huxley and Alternative Spirituality offers an incisive analysis of the full range of Huxley's spiritual interests, spanning both mysticism (neo-Vedanta, Taoism, Mahayana and Zen Buddhism) and Western esotericism (mesmerism, spiritualism, the paranormal). Jake Poller examines how Huxley's shifting spiritual convictions influenced his fiction, such as his depiction of the body and sex, and reveals how Huxley's use of psychedelic substances affected his spiritual convictions, resulting in a Tantric turn in his work. Poller demonstrates how Huxley's vision of a new alternative spirituality in Island , in which the Palanese select their beliefs from different religious traditions, anticipates the New Age spiritual supermarket and traces the profound influence of Huxley's ideas on the spiritual seekers of the twentieth century and beyond.
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1 online resource :
9789004406902
Paratext and Megatext as Channels of Jewish and Christian Traditions : The Textual Markers of Contextualization /
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Religious traditions are channeled to new audiences by textual markers, which inform their understanding and influence. Such markers are signs of contextualisation which belong to the paratext of a tradition: textual elements that do not belong to the core text itself but belong to their embedding and as such affect their reception. Alternatively, some texts function purposely in tandem with another text, and cannot be understood without that text. While the second text informs the way the first one is being understood, it can hardly function independently. The discussions include the arrangement of textual blocks in the Hebrew Bible; how the oral transmission of Jewish Aramaic Bible translations had to be recited as a counterpoint to the Hebrew chant; how synagogue poetry presupposes the channels of liturgical instruction; how the Talmud can be perceived as a translation of Mishnah; how the presence of paratextual elements such as annotations and prefaces influenced the Index Librorum Prohibitorum concerning 16th century Bibles; the function of paratext and scope for modern Bible translations. This volume will tentatively explore the wide range of paratext and megatext as devices of channeling religious traditions.
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1 online resource :
9789004421431
9789004128828
Renewing Royal Imagery : Akhenaten and Family in the Amarna Tombs /
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In Renewing Royal Imagery: Akhenaten and Family in the Amarna Tombs , Arlette David offers a systematic, in-depth analysis of the visual presentation of ancient Egyptian kingship during Akhenaten's reign (circa 1350 B.C.) in the elite tombs of his new capital, domain of his god Aten, and attempts to answer two basic questions: how can Amarna imagery look so blatantly Egyptian and yet be intrinsically different? And why did it need to be so?.
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1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004440517
9789004440500
Studies on the text of the New Testament and early Christianity : essays in honour of Michael W. Holmes on the occasion of his 65th birthday /
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The collection of essays focuses on the twin areas of research undertaken by Prof. Michael W. Holmes. These are the sub-disciplines of textual criticism and the study of the Apostolic Fathers. The first part of the volume on textual criticism focuses on issues of method, the praxis of editing and collating texts, and discussions pertaining to individual variants. The second part of the volume assembles essays on the Apostolic Fathers. There is a particular focus on the person and writings of Polycarp, since this is the area of research where Prof. Holmes has worked most intensively.
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1 online resource (xxiii, 706 pages) : portrait. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004300026 :
0077-8842 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Augustine and Manichaean Christianity : selected papers from the first South African Conference on Augustine of Hippo, University of Pretoria, 24-26 April 2012 /
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Based on several newly discovered texts, Augustine and Manichaean Christianity provides groundbreaking discussions of the relationship between the most influential church father of the West and the religion of his formative years. Augustine's connection with Manichaean Christians was not only intense, but also enduring. This book unearths the essential background of writings such as Augustine's Confessiones , De ordine and De vera religione , and discloses many a hidden Manichaean source of his powerful concepts of memory and the vision of God. Contributions by, among others, Iain Gardner, Therese Fuhrer, Jason BeDuhn, Majella Franzmann, Josef Lössl, Annemaré Kotzé and Nils Arne Pedersen.
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1 online resource (xv, 236 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789004255067 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Two books of Ezekiel : Papyrus 967 and the Masoretic text as variant literary editions /
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Greek papyrus codex 967 (p967) manifests a different edition of Ezekiel from the Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT). This study defines and uses a \'manuscript approach\' to argue that p967 qualifies as a variant literary edition of Ezekiel. Methodologically, the approach is rooted in text-critical analysis, clarifies p967's textual significance, and shows that its text usually reflects the Old Greek translation and in many cases an early Hebrew edition of Ezekiel. The literary analysis of p967 and MT procedes according to sets of variants that participate in literary Tendenzen , adopting the principle of coherence found in Literaturkritik. In so doing, the literary analysis identifies the scope and literary character of p967 and MT's meaningful textual variants. Finally, the codicological analysis explores p967's manuscript as an historical and sociological artifact, focusing especially on what the paratextual marks reveal about the interpretive interests of a Third century CE community.
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Description based upon print version of record. :
1 online resource (xix, 369 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references and indexes. :
9789004222458 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Mani at the court of the Persian kings : studies on the Chester Beatty Kephalaia Codex /
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In Mani at the Court of the Persian Kings the authors explore evidence arising from their project to edit the Chester Beatty Kephalaia codex. This new text presents Mani at the heart of Sasanian Iran in dialogue with its sages and nobles, acting as a cultural mediator between East and West and interpreter of Christian, Iranian, and Indian traditions. Nine chapters study Mani's appropriation of the 'law of Zarades' and of Iranian epic; suggest a new understanding of his last days; and analyse his formative role in the history of late antique religions. These interdisciplinary studies advance research in several fields and will be of interest to scholars of Manichaeism, Sasanian Iran, and the development of religions in Late Antiquity.
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1 online resource (viii, 320 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 277-307) and index. :
9789004282629 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Seek to see him : ascent and vision mysticism in the Gospel of Thomas /
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This monograph represents a critical juncture in Thomas studies since it dispels the belief that the Gospel of Thomas originates from gnostic traditions. Rather, Jewish mystical and Hermetic origins are proposed and examined. Following this analysis, the anthropogony and soteriology of Thomas are discussed. The Thomasites taught that they were the elect children of the Father, originating from the Light. The human, however, became unworthy of these luminous beginnings and was separated from the divine when Adam sinned. Now he must purify himself by leading an encratite lifestyle. He is to ascend into heaven, seeking a visio dei which will transform him into his original immortal state and grant him citizenship in the Kingdom.
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1 online resource (xiv, 211 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 183-199) and indexes. :
9789004313002 :
0920-623X ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Studien zur Entstehungsgeschichte und Intention des Kolosserbriefs /
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This volume examines the Epistle to the Colossians as a pseudepigraphic letter. It is concerned with how different traditions associated with Paul and his thought were appropriated by Pauline communities in the aftermath of his death. Extensive attention is paid to the possibility of Colossians' interaction with oral traditions, which includes consideration of the oral context for Paul's own correspondence and ministry. In recovering these traditions, Colossians creates a heavenly letter and a testament, designed so as to assure readers of the apostle's ongoing aid and to interpret the theological significance of his death. The analysis of different literary and rhetorical characteristics of Colossians (pseudephigraphy, orality, et cetera) is placed within the context of both contemporaneous Jewish (esp. Sapiential) traditions and the traditions of the Greco-Roman philosophic schools. One chapter deals with the origin and purpose of the 'Haustafel'.
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Originally presented as the author's Habilitationsschrift--Frankfurt am Main, 1998. :
1 online resource (viii, 362 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 291-330) and indexes. :
9789004267428 :
0167-9732 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
The hope of glory : education and exhortation in the Epistle to the Colossians /
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This study explores the background, character, and function of Colossians as a form of theological education and appeal in the Pauline tradition. A historical, literary, rhetorical, and narrative analysis of the text shows how its theological affirmations and claims were presented so as to engage the life of its readers in practical ways and in practical contexts, especially in order to direct their moral formation as Christians and their self-understanding as a Christian community in a time of controversy. The specific strategies adopted by the author in designing his message and instructing the readers are familiar from Hellenistic conventions of moral and spiritual guidance, particularly those conventions associated with philosophic paraenesis , or moral exhortation for recent converts.
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1 online resource (xiv, 297 pages) : illustrations. :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 267-274) and indexes. :
9789004267343 :
0167-9732 ; :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Birthing salvation : gender and class in early Christian childbearing discourse /
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In Birthing Salvation Anna Rebecca Solevåg explores the theme of childbearing in early Christian discourse. The book maps the importance of women's childbearing in Greco-Roman culture and shows how childbearing discourse interfaces with salvation discourse in three early Christian texts: the Pastoral Epistles, the Acts of Andrew and the Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas. Issues of gender and class are explored through an intersectional analysis. In particular, the institution of slavery, and its implications for ideas about salvation in these texts are drawn out. Birthing Salvation offers fresh interpretations of these texts, including the peculiar statement in 1 Tim 2:15 that women "will be saved through childbearing."
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1 online resource (xiv, 287 pages) :
Includes bibliographical references (p. 257-274) and index. :
9789004257788 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.
Wisdom in transition : act and consequence in Second Temple instructions /
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This volume considers a major shift among Jewish sages during the Second Temple period, as certain authors moved from an earthly focus to a belief in individual immortality. Egyptian instructions and the book of Proverbs are examined for necessary background. The colorful responses of Qoheleth and Ben Sira to an emergent belief in the afterlife are also discussed. 4QInstruction, the largest Wisdom text from the Dead Sea Scrolls corpus, demonstrates this shift to an eschatological understanding. This book considers the diverse reasons for the changes that one finds in 4QInstruction, especially the issue of social context. It will prove useful to those interested in Wisdom literature, the Dead Sea Scrolls, apocalypticism, and the development of beliefs in the afterlife.
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1 online resource. :
Includes bibliographical references (p. [279]-293) and indexes. :
9789047433149 :
Available to subscribing member institutions only.