Leviticus as Literature Contributor(s): Douglas, Mary (Author) |
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ISBN: 019815092X ISBN-13: 9780198150923 Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA OUR PRICE: $137.75 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: February 2000 Annotation: This first full-scale account of Leviticus by a world renowned anthropologist presents the biblical work as a literary masterpiece. Seen in an anthropological perspective Leviticus has a mystical structure which plots the book into three parts corresponding to the three parts of the desert tabernacle, both corresponding to the parts of Mount Sinai. This completely new reading transforms the interpretation of the purity laws. The pig and other forbidden animals are not abhorrent, they command the same respect due to all God's creatures. Boldly challenging several traditions of Bible criticism, Mary Douglas claims that Leviticus is not the narrow doctrine of a crabbed professional priesthood but a powerful intellectual statement about a modern religion which emphasizes God's justice and compassion. |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Biblical Criticism & Interpretation - Old Testament - Religion | Biblical Studies - Old Testament - General - Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics - General |
Dewey: 221.6 |
LCCN: 99024071 |
Lexile Measure: 1300 |
Physical Information: 0.99" H x 6.36" W x 8.76" (1.24 lbs) 298 pages |
Themes: - Religious Orientation - Christian |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: This first full-scale account of Leviticus by a world renowned anthropologist presents the biblical work as a literary masterpiece. Seen in an anthropological perspective Leviticus has a mystical structure which plots the book into three parts corresponding to the three parts of the desert tabernacle, both corresponding to the parts of Mount Sinai. This completely new reading transforms the interpretation of the purity laws. The pig and other forbidden animals are not abhorrent, they command the same respect due to all God's creatures. Boldly challenging several traditions of Bible criticism, Mary Douglas claims that Leviticus is not the narrow doctrine of a crabbed professional priesthood but a powerful intellectual statement about a modern religion which emphasizes God's justice and compassion. |