Following up on his two recent; widely acclaimed studies of ancient Israelite history and society; William Dever here reconstructs the practice of religion in ancient Israel from the bottom up. Archaeological excavations reveal numerous local and family shrines where sacrifices and other rituals were carried out. Intrigued by this "folk religion" in all its variety and vitality; Dever writes about ordinary people in ancient Israel and their everyday religious lives.Did God Have a Wife? shines new light on the presence and influence of women's cults in early Israel and their implications for our understanding of Israel's official "Book religion." Dever pays particular attention to the goddess Asherah; reviled by the authors of the Hebrew Bible as a foreign deity but; in the view of many modern scholars; popularly envisioned in early Israel as the consort of biblical Yahweh. His work also gives new prominence to women as the custodians of Israel's folk religion.The first book by an archaeologist on ancient Israelite religion; this fascinating study critically reviews virtually all of the archaeological literature of the past generation; while also bringing fresh evidence to the table. Though Dever digs deep into the past; his discussion is extensively illustrated; unencumbered by footnotes; and vivid with colorful insights. Meant for professional and general audiences alike; Did God Have a Wife? is sure to spur wide and passionate debate.
#1442183 in Books 2009-11-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .70 x 6.00l; .90 #File Name: 0802828876278 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A remarkably balanced and in-depth treatmentBy Dr. Karen M. GrayMuch is still controversial. I am recommending Collins' work to my students because his approach is unexpectedly objective and thorough in its coverage of the critical issues; history; and interpretive problem. I am grateful for this well written work.8 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful. A balanced discussion of the Qumran communityBy JeriCollins presents all points of view in his book on the Qumran community. His writing is also very clear; and accessible even to the general reader.He has an interesting overviews of the Yahad and the historical background to the community.I was especially fascinated by his chapter on the Essenes. Both Pliny and Josephus give favorable reports about the Essenes; and Josephus spends a disproportionate length of time on them. He says "the Essenes behave with semnotes...They show self-control...in their attitudes toward passions; sex; and women. The Essene community of goods illustrates the Jewish pursuit of koinonia...which is the opposite of misanthropia; the vice with which Jews were often charged" (p 137).But was the community of Qumran an Essene community? Perhaps the greatest objection is the presence of women there; because the Yahad taught celibacy.Most fascinating in connection to later Christianity is the presence in the scrolls of a belief that some people after death; the just; would reach heaven; whereas others would reside in "a dark pit shaken by storms" (p 151).The connection between the Therapeutae and the Essenes; although their doctrines seem to coincide on many points; is still too obscure to many any definite judgment. The Therapeutae did allow for women; most of them virgins; however; and drank no wine and ate no meat.A fine addition to the discussion.5 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A very recommended read for professional or amateur biblical studies collectionsBy Midwest Book ReviewEarly Christianity is a subject that eludes many scholars. "Beyond the Qumran Community: The Sectarian Movement of the Dead Sea Scrolls" focuses on the Qumran community focusing on the periods and the origins of the texts that have fueled much of the research surrounding the scrolls. Stating that there were other communities involved in this movement; John J. Collins gives a scholarly look into these possible other houses; making "Beyond the Qumran Community" a very recommended read for professional or amateur biblical studies collections.
