Pharaoh Akhenaten; who reigned for seventeen years in the fourteenth century B.C.E; is one of the most intriguing rulers of ancient Egypt. His odd appearance and his preoccupation with worshiping the sun disc Aten have stimulated academic discussion and controversy for more than a century. Despite the numerous books and articles about this enigmatic figure; many questions about Akhenaten and the Atenism religion remain unanswered.In Akhenaten and the Origins of Monotheism; James K. Hoffmeier argues that Akhenaten was not; as is often said; a radical advocating a new religion; but rather a primitivist: that is; one who reaches back to a golden age and emulates it. Akhenaten's inspiration was the Old Kingdom (2650-2400 B.C.E.); when the sun-god Re/Atum ruled as the unrivaled head of the Egyptian pantheon. Hoffmeier finds that Akhenaten was a genuine convert to the worship of Aten; the sole creator God; based on the Pharoah's own testimony of a theophany; a divine encounter that launched his monotheistic religious odyssey. The book also explores the Atenist religion's possible relationship to Israel's religion; offering a close comparison of the hymn to the Aten to Psalm 104; which has been identified by scholars as influenced by the Egyptian hymn.Through a careful reading of key texts; artworks; and archaeological studies; Hoffmeier provides compelling new insights into a religion that predated Moses and Hebrew monotheism; the impact of Atenism on Egyptian religion and politics; and the aftermath of Akhenaten's reign.
#1462515 in Books 2017-01-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.40 x .90 x 9.50l; .0 #File Name: 0199756244264 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fantastic ReadBy Arthur AndersonThis is an absolutely fascinating book about a human rights advocate famous in her time who left hardly any personal documentation about herself and today virtually unknown. Great insight into free thinking; abolition and feminist struggles of nineteenth century America and England. Footnotes and bibliography comprising 25% of the pages at the end also are very interesting. A tour de force of scholarship and writing.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Vivid Account of an Important WomanBy Joan Brodsky SchurI was totally engrossed by this account of the remarkable life of Ernestine Rose and since reading this book; I will never forget her! The Rabbi's Atheist Daughter is inspiring to read (Rose never gave up) and even-handed in its treatment of her accomplishments and temperament. Two worlds that she participated in; the religiously-motivated abolitionist movement – and free thought; existed simultaneously; but I had never put them together before. We see Rose's interactions both with ideas and other leading women of the day with clarity. This book also brings the little-noted presence of Jews of this time period into relief.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. "We have before us a novel spectacle; an hitherto ...By Verna Gillis"We have before us a novel spectacle; an hitherto unheard of undertaking; in comparison to which all others fall into insignificance; the grandest step in the onward progress of humanity. One half the race stands up against the injustice and oppression of the other; and demands the recognition of its existence and of its rights." Ernestine Rose is a beacon for our times - her values ; courage; adventure - the qualities we need to exemplify. Thank you Bonnie Anderson for another classic of women's history and of history. "Humanity of no sex."
