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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > General > Comparative religion
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Celibacy and Religious Traditions (Hardcover, New)
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Celibacy and Religious Traditions (Hardcover, New)
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If sexuality is inherently social, the same thing can be said about
celibacy. An understanding of celibacy, argues Carl Olson, can be a
useful way to view the significance of the human body within a
social context. The purpose of this book is to examine how the
practice of celibacy differs cross-culturally as well as
historically within a particular religious tradition. The essays
(all previously unpublished) will demonstrate that celibacy is a
complex religious phenomenon. The control of sexual desire can be
used to divorce oneself from a basic human biological drive, to
separate oneself from what is perceived as impure, or to distance
oneself from a transient world. Within different religious
traditions there can be found the practice of temporary celibacy,
commitment to long-term permanent celibacy, and outright
condemnations of it. By maintaining a state of virginity, members
of some religious traditions imitate divine models; other
traditions do not admit the possibility of emulating such
paradigms. Whether or not a religious tradition encourages or
discourages it, the practice of celibacy gives us insight into its
worldview, social values, gender relations, ethics, religious
roles, and understanding of the physical body. Celibacy can
contribute to the creation of a certain status and play a role in
the construction of identity, while serving as a source of
charisma. In some religious traditions, it is possible to renounce
sex and gain sacred status and economic support from society. Each
essay in the collection will be written by an expert in a
particular religious tradition. Each will address such questions
as: Why do some members of a religious community decide to maintain
acelibate style of religious life? Is celibacy a prerequisite for
religious office or status? Are there different contexts within a
given religious tradition for the practice of celibacy? What does
the choice of celibacy tell us about the human body in a particular
religious culture? What is the symbolic significance of celibacy?
What is its connection to the acquisition of power? What are its
physical or spiritual benefits? The first collection of its kind,
this book will be a valuable resource for courses in world
religions, as well as a contribution to our understanding of this
very widespread but puzzling human phenomenon.
General
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