Description
Book SynopsisThis volume is intended to introduce university and seminary students and scholars to the neglected field of ritual studies, particularly within the larger context of biblical and theological studies. At the same time, the author hopes to further the discussion by interacting with numerous scholars in the field, providing an extensive bibliography of relevant works. Klingbeil defines the basic terms used in ritual studies and explains the concepts involved in interpreting biblical ritual. He offers a broad history of the study of biblical ritual, beginning with the critiques of ritual found in the Old Testament prophetic books and surveying attitudes toward ritual down to modern times. Drawing on the fields of anthropology and sociology, as well as his decade of work in the field, Klingbeil presents a comprehensive reading strategy for biblical ritual texts. In addition, he explores connections between ritual studies and theological research. This ground-breaking study promises to generate discussion about biblical ritual and provides an excellent introduction to this growing field of study for students and scholars.
Table of ContentsPreface
Abbreviations
Introduction: How It All Began
Culture, Religion, and Ritual: Definitions and Interaction
Ritual from a Social-Science Perspective: Tracing the Outline of an Idea
Ritual and Bible: The Genesis of a New Discipline
Biblical Ritual in History: Periods and Perspectives
Reading Ritual: Strategies and Trigger Points
Structure, Order and Sequence, Space, and Time: Ritual Elements 1
Objects, Action, Participants, and Language: Ritual Elements 2
“What Does It All Mean?”
Dimensions and Functions of Ritual
“Looking over the Fence”: Ritual and Other Areas
of Biblical and Theological Research
Ritual Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, or: Some Type of a Conclusion for a Christian Theology
Appendix: Ritual Texts in the Pentateuch
Bibliography
Indexes
Index of Authors
Index of Scripture
Index of Other Ancient Sources
