James K. Hoffmeier
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195155464
- eISBN:
- 9780199835652
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/0195155467.001.000
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
For the past two decades, the nature of ancient Israel’s origins has been debated heatedly. Much of this debate has concentrated on part of the book of Exodus and the book of Joshua. Little ...
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For the past two decades, the nature of ancient Israel’s origins has been debated heatedly. Much of this debate has concentrated on part of the book of Exodus and the book of Joshua. Little attention, however, has been given to the wilderness tradition, for example, the episodes set in Sinai (Exodus 16 through Numbers 20). The current study investigates the importance of the wilderness tradition to ancient Israel’s religious and social formation. The location of Mt. Sinai, Israel’s law or covenant, and the possible Egyptian origins of Israel’s desert sanctuary, the tabernacle, are explored in the light of Egyptian archaeological materials. The book further argues that the Torah’s narratives preserve accurate memories of the wilderness period as evidenced by the accuracy of geographical place names in Egypt and Sinai, and by the use of many personal names and technical terms that are of Egyptian etymology. These factors lend credibility to the authenticity sojourn in Egypt and the exodus traditions, rather than viewing them as purely ideological or literary fictions dating to 1,000 years after the events.Less
For the past two decades, the nature of ancient Israel’s origins has been debated heatedly. Much of this debate has concentrated on part of the book of Exodus and the book of Joshua. Little attention, however, has been given to the wilderness tradition, for example, the episodes set in Sinai (Exodus 16 through Numbers 20). The current study investigates the importance of the wilderness tradition to ancient Israel’s religious and social formation. The location of Mt. Sinai, Israel’s law or covenant, and the possible Egyptian origins of Israel’s desert sanctuary, the tabernacle, are explored in the light of Egyptian archaeological materials. The book further argues that the Torah’s narratives preserve accurate memories of the wilderness period as evidenced by the accuracy of geographical place names in Egypt and Sinai, and by the use of many personal names and technical terms that are of Egyptian etymology. These factors lend credibility to the authenticity sojourn in Egypt and the exodus traditions, rather than viewing them as purely ideological or literary fictions dating to 1,000 years after the events.
Mark David Spence
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195142433
- eISBN:
- 9780199848812
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195142433.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
This book examines the ideal of wilderness preservation in the United States from the antebellum era to the first half of the twentieth century, showing how the early conception of the wilderness as ...
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This book examines the ideal of wilderness preservation in the United States from the antebellum era to the first half of the twentieth century, showing how the early conception of the wilderness as the place where Indians lived (or should live) gave way to the idealization of uninhabited wilderness. It focuses on specific policies of Indian removal developed at Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier national parks from the early 1870s to the 1930s.Less
This book examines the ideal of wilderness preservation in the United States from the antebellum era to the first half of the twentieth century, showing how the early conception of the wilderness as the place where Indians lived (or should live) gave way to the idealization of uninhabited wilderness. It focuses on specific policies of Indian removal developed at Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier national parks from the early 1870s to the 1930s.
Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamchak
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195301755
- eISBN:
- 9780199867196
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195301755.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
As the world's population grows (it is expected to increase from the current 6.7 billion to 9.2 billion by 2050), fewer and fewer wild places remain. Today vast areas of Earth resemble the ...
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As the world's population grows (it is expected to increase from the current 6.7 billion to 9.2 billion by 2050), fewer and fewer wild places remain. Today vast areas of Earth resemble the agricultural Central Valley, where a few domesticated species dominate. As the demand for food increases, will it be possible to minimize the impact of food production on what remains of wild nature?Less
As the world's population grows (it is expected to increase from the current 6.7 billion to 9.2 billion by 2050), fewer and fewer wild places remain. Today vast areas of Earth resemble the agricultural Central Valley, where a few domesticated species dominate. As the demand for food increases, will it be possible to minimize the impact of food production on what remains of wild nature?
William P. Brown
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199730797
- eISBN:
- 9780199777075
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199730797.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies, Theology
God’s answer to Job is the focus of this chapter. God presents a panoramic sweep of creation that comprises the cosmic, the meteorological, and the biological. Its primary focus, however, is on the ...
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God’s answer to Job is the focus of this chapter. God presents a panoramic sweep of creation that comprises the cosmic, the meteorological, and the biological. Its primary focus, however, is on the diversity and vitality of animal life in the wilderness. What was considered marginal from Job’s perspective now takes center stage in God’s answer, which reflects God’s biophilia. While de-centered, Job is shown to be integrally related to the wild. He was made by God “with” Behemoth, suggesting Job is linked with all creatures, including monstrous Leviathan. Biology, too, discerns a link that connects all life on Earth, a genetic link (DNA). God’s answer, moreover, takes Job on a grand tour of taxonomy, not unlike Charles Darwin’s around-the-world voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle early in his career. Read in the light of evolution, Job presents a powerful testimony to biodiversity and affirms the intrinsic value of all life.Less
God’s answer to Job is the focus of this chapter. God presents a panoramic sweep of creation that comprises the cosmic, the meteorological, and the biological. Its primary focus, however, is on the diversity and vitality of animal life in the wilderness. What was considered marginal from Job’s perspective now takes center stage in God’s answer, which reflects God’s biophilia. While de-centered, Job is shown to be integrally related to the wild. He was made by God “with” Behemoth, suggesting Job is linked with all creatures, including monstrous Leviathan. Biology, too, discerns a link that connects all life on Earth, a genetic link (DNA). God’s answer, moreover, takes Job on a grand tour of taxonomy, not unlike Charles Darwin’s around-the-world voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle early in his career. Read in the light of evolution, Job presents a powerful testimony to biodiversity and affirms the intrinsic value of all life.
Catharine Cookson
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195129441
- eISBN:
- 9780199834105
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019512944X.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Often, competing worldviews or “frameworks” (as described by political philosopher Charles Taylor) are at the heart of free exercise conflicts. This chapter uses the trope or myth of “wilderness” as ...
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Often, competing worldviews or “frameworks” (as described by political philosopher Charles Taylor) are at the heart of free exercise conflicts. This chapter uses the trope or myth of “wilderness” as a tool for understanding how the same concept can be interpreted in contrary ways: wilderness as a holy place of purification, as an empty place to cultivate and make bloom, or as a dangerous, licentious, uncontrolled place where anarchy rules. The myth enables us to understand how people can approach the same activity/phenomenon with such drastically different unexamined assumptions, and how there may be different ramifications, meanings, and consequences depending upon the framework in which the religious behavior is initially and intuitively viewed.Less
Often, competing worldviews or “frameworks” (as described by political philosopher Charles Taylor) are at the heart of free exercise conflicts. This chapter uses the trope or myth of “wilderness” as a tool for understanding how the same concept can be interpreted in contrary ways: wilderness as a holy place of purification, as an empty place to cultivate and make bloom, or as a dangerous, licentious, uncontrolled place where anarchy rules. The myth enables us to understand how people can approach the same activity/phenomenon with such drastically different unexamined assumptions, and how there may be different ramifications, meanings, and consequences depending upon the framework in which the religious behavior is initially and intuitively viewed.
Sadiah Qureshi
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780197265413
- eISBN:
- 9780191760464
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197265413.003.0012
- Subject:
- History, World Modern History
Early modern writers had long noted the apparent decimation of some indigenous peoples. However, such discussions took on a new and urgent form in the nineteenth century as a new scientific ...
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Early modern writers had long noted the apparent decimation of some indigenous peoples. However, such discussions took on a new and urgent form in the nineteenth century as a new scientific understanding of extinction as an endemic natural process was established. Many scholars have explored the notion of dying races in histories of colonial contact, modern land rights, or genocide; yet most have overlooked the new epistemological status of extinction as a mechanism for explaining natural change. This chapter explores how this scientific shift became combined with notions of wilderness in the American context to rationalize policies of Indian dispossession, forced removal from their traditional homelands, and the establishment of the world's first national parks. In doing so, it highlights fruitful directions for future histories of heritage, endangerment, and conservation.Less
Early modern writers had long noted the apparent decimation of some indigenous peoples. However, such discussions took on a new and urgent form in the nineteenth century as a new scientific understanding of extinction as an endemic natural process was established. Many scholars have explored the notion of dying races in histories of colonial contact, modern land rights, or genocide; yet most have overlooked the new epistemological status of extinction as a mechanism for explaining natural change. This chapter explores how this scientific shift became combined with notions of wilderness in the American context to rationalize policies of Indian dispossession, forced removal from their traditional homelands, and the establishment of the world's first national parks. In doing so, it highlights fruitful directions for future histories of heritage, endangerment, and conservation.
Susan K. Jacobson, Mallory D. McDuff, and Martha C. Monroe
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198567714
- eISBN:
- 9780191718311
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567714.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Making conservation come alive can mean discovering the natural world around us through a neighborhood scavenger hunt or researching the perspectives of an industry group for a role-play. Many of the ...
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Making conservation come alive can mean discovering the natural world around us through a neighborhood scavenger hunt or researching the perspectives of an industry group for a role-play. Many of the techniques in this chapter emphasize the experiential approach to conservation education, such as hands-on activities, field trips, and wilderness skills. The aim of these techniques is to immerse the participants in exploring the outdoors or an environmental concept. Other techniques bring conservation alive through a minds-on approach, such as storytelling, games, case studies, role-playing, and contests. Planning these techniques involves both research and logistics. This chapter provides helpful hints for implementation, including tips for engaging an audience in a story or developing a role-play. Every technique engages the audience in learning through direct experience.Less
Making conservation come alive can mean discovering the natural world around us through a neighborhood scavenger hunt or researching the perspectives of an industry group for a role-play. Many of the techniques in this chapter emphasize the experiential approach to conservation education, such as hands-on activities, field trips, and wilderness skills. The aim of these techniques is to immerse the participants in exploring the outdoors or an environmental concept. Other techniques bring conservation alive through a minds-on approach, such as storytelling, games, case studies, role-playing, and contests. Planning these techniques involves both research and logistics. This chapter provides helpful hints for implementation, including tips for engaging an audience in a story or developing a role-play. Every technique engages the audience in learning through direct experience.
James K. Hoffmeier
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195155464
- eISBN:
- 9780199835652
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/0195155467.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
The book concludes with discussing some implications of the wilderness tradition for the origins of Israel debate. The indigenous origins of Israel in and from the Canaanites is rejected because of ...
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The book concludes with discussing some implications of the wilderness tradition for the origins of Israel debate. The indigenous origins of Israel in and from the Canaanites is rejected because of the dominance of the wilderness tradition throughout the Bible, which cannot be simply explained away. Because of central institutions that originate in Sinai such as the tabernacle, pork prohibition, the aniconic nature of Israel’s religion and the name of Yahweh himself. The much-debated scene from the reliefs of Pharoah Merneptah at Karnak temple—believed to show Israelites—is discussed in detail. The theory of Israel’s association with the Shasu-beduoin as a source for the origin of the divined name, YHWH is studied and dismissed. In the end, it is argued that when the wilderness tradition is examined in the light of various ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian materials, a good case can be made for the authenticity of the traditions in the Torah.Less
The book concludes with discussing some implications of the wilderness tradition for the origins of Israel debate. The indigenous origins of Israel in and from the Canaanites is rejected because of the dominance of the wilderness tradition throughout the Bible, which cannot be simply explained away. Because of central institutions that originate in Sinai such as the tabernacle, pork prohibition, the aniconic nature of Israel’s religion and the name of Yahweh himself. The much-debated scene from the reliefs of Pharoah Merneptah at Karnak temple—believed to show Israelites—is discussed in detail. The theory of Israel’s association with the Shasu-beduoin as a source for the origin of the divined name, YHWH is studied and dismissed. In the end, it is argued that when the wilderness tradition is examined in the light of various ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian materials, a good case can be made for the authenticity of the traditions in the Torah.
Daisy L. Machado
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195152234
- eISBN:
- 9780199834426
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195152239.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis became a significant force in shaping the national identity of the U.S. The ideologies incorporated into Turner's frontier thesis were not only meant to ...
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Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis became a significant force in shaping the national identity of the U.S. The ideologies incorporated into Turner's frontier thesis were not only meant to provide a historical interpretation of how the U.S. came into being but also satisfied the national need for a “usable past.” This frontier thesis was able to transmit a series of symbols that became imbedded in the nation's self‐perception and self‐understanding: Virgin land, wilderness, land and democracy, Manifest Destiny, chosen race. Race must be understood as an important piece of this developing national identity because the idea of “purity” of race was used as a rationalization to colonize, exclude, devalue, and even exterminate the native borderlands people.Less
Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis became a significant force in shaping the national identity of the U.S. The ideologies incorporated into Turner's frontier thesis were not only meant to provide a historical interpretation of how the U.S. came into being but also satisfied the national need for a “usable past.” This frontier thesis was able to transmit a series of symbols that became imbedded in the nation's self‐perception and self‐understanding: Virgin land, wilderness, land and democracy, Manifest Destiny, chosen race. Race must be understood as an important piece of this developing national identity because the idea of “purity” of race was used as a rationalization to colonize, exclude, devalue, and even exterminate the native borderlands people.
James K. Hoffmeier
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195155464
- eISBN:
- 9780199835652
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/0195155467.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
Central to the Torah is the wilderness tradition, the forty years that Israel spent in Sinai after the exodus from Egypt and before entering the land of Canaan. The book begins by examining the ...
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Central to the Torah is the wilderness tradition, the forty years that Israel spent in Sinai after the exodus from Egypt and before entering the land of Canaan. The book begins by examining the portrayal of the wilderness period in the Torah and then shows that the same perspective is presented throughout the Hebrew Bible, especially in the Prophets and the Psalms. The origins of Israel debate of the past two decades are introduced, as well as how biblical scholars and historians have viewed the narratives set in Sinai. A discussion of the hermeneutical approach used in this study, the contextual approach, is presented.Less
Central to the Torah is the wilderness tradition, the forty years that Israel spent in Sinai after the exodus from Egypt and before entering the land of Canaan. The book begins by examining the portrayal of the wilderness period in the Torah and then shows that the same perspective is presented throughout the Hebrew Bible, especially in the Prophets and the Psalms. The origins of Israel debate of the past two decades are introduced, as well as how biblical scholars and historians have viewed the narratives set in Sinai. A discussion of the hermeneutical approach used in this study, the contextual approach, is presented.
