The history of Roman imperial religion is of fundamental importance to the history of religion in Europe. Emerging from a decade of research; From Jupiter to Christ demonstrates that the decisive change within the Roman imperial period was not a growing number of religions or changes in their ranking and success; but a modification of the idea of "religion" and a change in the social place of religious practices and beliefs. Religion is shown to be transformed from a medium serving the individual necessities -- dealing with human contingencies like sickness; insecurity; and death -- and a medium serving the public formation of political identity; into an encompassing system of ways of life; group identities; and political legitimation.Instead of offering an encyclopaedic presentation of religious beliefs; symbols; and practices throughout the period; the volume thematically presents the media that manifested and diffused religion (institutions; texts; and law); and analyses representative cases. It asks how religion changed in processes of diffusion and immigration; how fast (or how slow) practices and institutions were appropriated and modified; and reveals how these changes made Roman religion 'exportable'; creating those forms of intellectualisation and enscripturation which made religion an autonomous area; different from other social fields.
#8369326 in Books 1997-07Format: Box setOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 14.70 x 2.40 x 10.60l; 1100.99 #File Name: 0197276105440 pages
Review
4 of 8 people found the following review helpful. SynopsisBy A CustomerThe Nasser D. Khalili Collection contains an enormous number of historically important objects relating to the fields of Islamic science in astrology; astronomy; medicine and magic. This volume brings all these subjects together; and provides insight into the traditions and innovations of scholars and scientists in Islamic cultures. An array of instruments and artefacts are presented; accompanied by complete descriptions and authoritative essays.1 of 10 people found the following review helpful. ContradictionBy JJThis book seems to consist of contradictions. Islam recognizes black majick (all majick is to be avoided) as something real but forbidden and that one should not seek it by any means. There is no basis for astrology in Islam although astronomy; sciences; and development of discoveries based on strong work ethics is. Just by going through its description I am incredibly weary of what's presented therein and encourage those who purchase it to first understand the position of Islam as a purely monotheistic faith in serving the One God Who is Above all that exists and the work of evil jinn who misguide people with sorcery. I understand many will read this and believe this is crazy; but I rather people think that then have the misconception that majick is a thing of Islam..when in fact it is completely rejected. To be fair; I haven't read the book so I can be entirely wrong here; but this is why I just encourage others to proceed with caution. Peace.
