For many Westerners; the term sacrifice is associated with ancient; often primitive ritual practices. It suggests the death―frequently violent; often bloody―of an animal victim; usually with the aim of atoning for human guilt. Sacrifice is a serious ritual; culminating in a dramatic event. The reality of religious sacrificial acts across the globe and throughout history is; however; more expansive and inclusive.In Beyond Sacred Violence; Kathryn McClymond argues that the modern Western world’s reductive understanding of sacrifice simplifies an enormously broad and dynamic cluster of religious activities. Drawing on a comparative study of Vedic and Jewish sacrificial practices; she demonstrates not only that sacrifice has no single; essential; identifying characteristic but also that the elements most frequently attributed to such acts―death and violence―are not universal. McClymond reveals that the world of religious sacrifice varies greatly; including grain-based offerings; precious liquids; and complex interdependent activities. Engagingly argued and written; Beyond Sacred Violence significantly extends our understanding of religious sacrifice and serves as a timely reminder that the field of religious studies is largely framed by Christianity.
#1425509 in Books Johns Hopkins University Press 1998-04-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .52 x 5.50l; .54 #File Name: 0801859433202 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Kugel is a treasure for those of us who care ...By susanKugel is a treasure for those of us who care deeply about our response to God. And thanks Mr. Kugel for whatever you have done in your life to be such a help to the rest of us. I'm an 84 yr old ( Roman Catholic) Christian.10 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A Most Kosher BookBy Daniel BraunschvigA mamiferous animal is considered Kosher if it chews the cud; if it has a hoof and if the hoof is cloven.Of the many interpretations or reasons of these rules given through time by the Sages of the Scriptures; there is one which comes to mind when reading James Kugel's book. The hoof is hard. It is cloven to show the uncompromising distinctiveness between right and wrong. That is the law! Chewing the cud is a symbol of mercy; of going over what is presented to find some flaw. That is clemency. Eating only Kosher animals is to keep these two apparently contradictory properties firmly in mind.In "On being a Jew" Kugel shows how the Law and Clemency are intimately interwoven in the fabric of Jewishness. It shines a bright light on our centuries-old traditions and beliefs. A wonderful book for the convinced; the sceptic and the bewildered.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Admirable purpose less than perfect realizationBy Shalom FreedmanJames Kugel writes his own up-to- date Kuzari in the form of a dialogue between a young man newly interested in Judaism and a wise old practicioner of the faith. This is not a very harsh dialogue but rather a kind of ' maieutic dialogue' in which the questioner brings out the great knowledge inherent in the older master. In this there comes much explanation and justification of traditional practices. The problem is that this is done in a largely humorless and non- appealing way. The book is admirable in purpose but its less than perfect realization make me wonder who exactly would be convinced by such a work.
