In We Think What We Eat, Seth Kunin presents both an appreciation and critique of Professor Mary Douglas' classical work on Israelite food rules. He places her arguments into the context of related anthropological approaches and suggests a new interpretation of the food rules system based on a rigorous application of structuralist theory. Kunin then goes on to extend this analysis to other areas of Israelite culture. Through detailed analysis of texts from Genesis, Exodus and Judges, he demonstrates that the same structural pattern found in the first section in respect of ritual is also characteristic of the mythological material. This section of the book also takes up the issue of structural transformation. It examines the processes found as the myths move from the Israelite context to that of the rabbis, the authors of the New Testament and of the Book of Mormon. The arguments presented demonstrate that as the myths move from culture to culture diachronically and geographically while the same mythological elements are retained they are restructured and organized based on the structural needs of the new cultural context. Kunin is also interested in issues of structuralist theory. Thus, he addresses issues related to the processes of structural transformation - suggesting processes that lead to changes in structural emphasis and those relating to more significant transformations. This is volume 412 in the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement series.

The myths of Genesis are the foundation for hundreds of texts written at later diachronically distinct and datable periods. Seven texts-Genesis itself, Genesis Rabbah, Pirke deRabbi Eliezer and mediaeval compilations-are examined here, with five interrelated questions in focus: Can structuralist theory be applied usefully to societies conscious of history and change? What is the relationship between continuity and trasformation as a mythological tradition develops diachronically? What role does diachronic development within a myth play in relation to its underlying structure? What is the synchronic structure of Israelite (or rather, biblical) myth? Are there identifiable patterns of transformation and continuity between biblical myth and the three diachronically distinct levels of rabbinic myth?>

In an attempt to gain an integrated view of Judaism, this book addresses certain themes, including the understanding of space and place, rites of passage, and attitudes toward women in religion and scripture. These themes are specifically selected to be of interest to students of religion, anthropology, and Judaism. The overall approach of the book is phenomenological, providing a detailed picture of Jewish beliefs, practices, and symbols from the perspective of a member of one of the Jewish communities or movements. The chapters are written from an internal perspective, offering a unique understanding of the ways that different Jewish sects interact with their various religious traditions. The book demonstrates both the diversity and continuity found in modern Jewish communities and illustrates the constant interplay of tradition and innovation within Judaism.

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, New Religious Movements. Practical Theology or Systematic Theology. The Bible, the Philosophy of Religion, Psychological, Anthropological or Sociological theories. Whatever your interest, this Companion offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject areas of both Religious Studies and Theology in one inclusive volume. Based on the core components of Religious Studies and Theology degrees, it is designed to function as the main text for beginning students and for use throughout their studies. Stimulating and broad-ranging, it is divided into two parts - Religious Studies and Theology - and six main sections: Religious Studies * Theories of Religion * Case Studies: World Religions Theology * Biblical Studies * Practical Theology * Systematic Theology * The Philosophy of Religion This blend of thorough and cutting-edge perspectives offers a balanced overview of the field a whole. Key Features: * A one-stop bumper textbook for Religious Studies and Theology students * Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the subject * Key terms defined and highlighted * Questions at the end of each chapter * Guides to further reading

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, New Religious Movements. Practical Theology or Systematic Theology. The Bible, the Philosophy of Religion, Psychological, Anthropological or Sociological theories. Whatever your interest, this Companion offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject areas of both Religious Studies and Theology in one inclusive volume. Based on the core components of Religious Studies and Theology degrees, it is designed to function as the main text for beginning students and for use throughout their studies. Stimulating and broad-ranging, it is divided into two parts - Religious Studies and Theology - and six main sections: Religious Studies * Theories of Religion * Case Studies: World Religions Theology * Biblical Studies * Practical Theology * Systematic Theology * The Philosophy of Religion This blend of thorough and cutting-edge perspectives offers a balanced overview of the field a whole. Key Features: * A one-stop bumper textbook for Religious Studies and Theology students * Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the subject * Key terms defined and highlighted * Questions at the end of each chapter * Guides to further reading

A comprehensive and approachable introduction to social scientific theories of religion as they have developed in the twentieth century. In the first section the groundwork is laid for the theories developed in the twentieth century, introducing the significant thinkers who have established some of the main avenues of discussion including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Freud, Jung, and Otto. The second section introduces the main approaches of the social scientific disciplines that study religion: sociological, psychological, phenomenological, feminist and anthropological. The third section puts religion under the microscope, examining constituent elements such as ritual, symbolism and myth. Throughout the author shows that theories and definitions need to be questioned and problematised, and concludes with suggestions for how new definitions of religion might be framed to provide more culturally sensitive and open-ended ways of understanding. The introduction of key issues and thinkers in modern theories of religion make this an ideal text for all Religious Studies students. Selling Points: * includes the four main modern approaches to religion - anthropological, sociological, psychological and feminist * each chapter includes an ethnographic case study to exemplify the issues raised * covers key themes such as symbolism, myth, ritual, theories of embodiment, identity, boundaries, Marxism, Feminism, ethnicity, science, and New Religious Movements

A comprehensive and approachable introduction to social scientific theories of religion as they have developed in the twentieth century. In the first section the groundwork is laid for the theories developed in the twentieth century, introducing the significant thinkers who have established some of the main avenues of discussion including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Freud, Jung, and Otto. The second section introduces the main approaches of the social scientific disciplines that study religion: sociological, psychological, phenomenological, feminist and anthropological. The third section puts religion under the microscope, examining constituent elements such as ritual, symbolism and myth. Throughout the author shows that theories and definitions need to be questioned and problematised, and concludes with suggestions for how new definitions of religion might be framed to provide more culturally sensitive and open-ended ways of understanding. The introduction of key issues and thinkers in modern theories of religion make this an ideal text for all Religious Studies students. Selling Points: * includes the four main modern approaches to religion - anthropological, sociological, psychological and feminist * each chapter includes an ethnographic case study to exemplify the issues raised * covers key themes such as symbolism, myth, ritual, theories of embodiment, identity, boundaries, Marxism, Feminism, ethnicity, science, and New Religious Movements