Thomas B Dozeman
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195367331
- eISBN:
- 9780199867417
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195367331.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
This book is an initial response to the call of the World Council of Churches for renewed theological reflection on the biblical roots of ordination to strengthen the vocational identity of the ...
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This book is an initial response to the call of the World Council of Churches for renewed theological reflection on the biblical roots of ordination to strengthen the vocational identity of the ordained and to provide a framework for ecumenical dialogue. It is grounded in the assumption that the vocation of ordination requires an understanding of holiness and how it functions in human religious experience. The goal is to construct a biblical theology of ordination, embedded in broad reflection on the nature of holiness. The study of holiness and ministry interweaves three methodologies. First, the history of religions describes two theories of holiness in the study of religion — as a dynamic force and as a ritual resource — which play a central role in biblical literature and establish the paradigm of ordination to Word and Sacrament in Christian tradition. Second, the study of the Moses in the Pentateuch and the formation of the Mosaic office illustrate the ways in which the two views of holiness model ordination to the prophetic word and to the priestly ritual. And, third, canonical criticism provides the lens to explore the ongoing influence of the Mosaic office in the New Testament literature.Less
This book is an initial response to the call of the World Council of Churches for renewed theological reflection on the biblical roots of ordination to strengthen the vocational identity of the ordained and to provide a framework for ecumenical dialogue. It is grounded in the assumption that the vocation of ordination requires an understanding of holiness and how it functions in human religious experience. The goal is to construct a biblical theology of ordination, embedded in broad reflection on the nature of holiness. The study of holiness and ministry interweaves three methodologies. First, the history of religions describes two theories of holiness in the study of religion — as a dynamic force and as a ritual resource — which play a central role in biblical literature and establish the paradigm of ordination to Word and Sacrament in Christian tradition. Second, the study of the Moses in the Pentateuch and the formation of the Mosaic office illustrate the ways in which the two views of holiness model ordination to the prophetic word and to the priestly ritual. And, third, canonical criticism provides the lens to explore the ongoing influence of the Mosaic office in the New Testament literature.
Diana G. Tumminia
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195176759
- eISBN:
- 9780199835720
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195176758.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This ethnography details the UFO religion, Unarius Academy of Science, and their belief system, which includes visions, channeling, dreams, myths, healing, past-life therapy, and recovered memories. ...
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This ethnography details the UFO religion, Unarius Academy of Science, and their belief system, which includes visions, channeling, dreams, myths, healing, past-life therapy, and recovered memories. From the theoretical perspective of the social construction of reality, it analyzes the way members create their own social world of contact with extraterrestrials. Based on lengthy field research, the everyday life and history of one of America’s oldest contactee groups is described. The text explicates the lives of the founders, Ernest and Ruth Norman, who claimed to be Space Brothers from higher realms of knowledge that offer a celestial science to Earth. Max Weber’s theory of charisma is used to analyze Ruth Norman, who led the group as Uriel the Archangel, Goddess of Love. Since Unarius had a failed millennial prophecy of spaceships landing in 2001, the author compares them to the group Leon Festinger studied in the 1950s. In looking at the interpretive methods Unarius used to explain success rather than failure, the text discusses the reasons why prophecies rarely fail in the eyes of believers.Less
This ethnography details the UFO religion, Unarius Academy of Science, and their belief system, which includes visions, channeling, dreams, myths, healing, past-life therapy, and recovered memories. From the theoretical perspective of the social construction of reality, it analyzes the way members create their own social world of contact with extraterrestrials. Based on lengthy field research, the everyday life and history of one of America’s oldest contactee groups is described. The text explicates the lives of the founders, Ernest and Ruth Norman, who claimed to be Space Brothers from higher realms of knowledge that offer a celestial science to Earth. Max Weber’s theory of charisma is used to analyze Ruth Norman, who led the group as Uriel the Archangel, Goddess of Love. Since Unarius had a failed millennial prophecy of spaceships landing in 2001, the author compares them to the group Leon Festinger studied in the 1950s. In looking at the interpretive methods Unarius used to explain success rather than failure, the text discusses the reasons why prophecies rarely fail in the eyes of believers.
Damian Thompson
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195178562
- eISBN:
- 9780199785070
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195178564.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter examines how Pentecostal churches are pulled toward and away from accommodation with society as they seek to exercise ministries of miraculous healing and non-eschatological prophecy. It ...
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This chapter examines how Pentecostal churches are pulled toward and away from accommodation with society as they seek to exercise ministries of miraculous healing and non-eschatological prophecy. It describes the millenarian traditions that Pentecostalism inherited from fundamentalism. Pentecostal attitudes to the End Times, which range from enthusiastic participation in the prophecy subculture to a complete lack of interest in it are discussed, including a more recent, optimistic belief in the coming restoration of God’s kingdom.Less
This chapter examines how Pentecostal churches are pulled toward and away from accommodation with society as they seek to exercise ministries of miraculous healing and non-eschatological prophecy. It describes the millenarian traditions that Pentecostalism inherited from fundamentalism. Pentecostal attitudes to the End Times, which range from enthusiastic participation in the prophecy subculture to a complete lack of interest in it are discussed, including a more recent, optimistic belief in the coming restoration of God’s kingdom.
Damian Thompson
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195178562
- eISBN:
- 9780199785070
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195178564.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter introduces Kensington Temple and its senior pastor, Colin Dye. It shows how the life of the congregation reflects the religious trends discussed in chapters 2 and 3, such as the ...
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This chapter introduces Kensington Temple and its senior pastor, Colin Dye. It shows how the life of the congregation reflects the religious trends discussed in chapters 2 and 3, such as the increasing role of consumer choice in the everyday spirituality of born-again Christians. Kensington Temple also reproduces the conflicting demands of high- and low-tension religion. The second half of the chapter shows how Dye and his flock attempt to reconcile these demands by engaging in the rational management of charisma.Less
This chapter introduces Kensington Temple and its senior pastor, Colin Dye. It shows how the life of the congregation reflects the religious trends discussed in chapters 2 and 3, such as the increasing role of consumer choice in the everyday spirituality of born-again Christians. Kensington Temple also reproduces the conflicting demands of high- and low-tension religion. The second half of the chapter shows how Dye and his flock attempt to reconcile these demands by engaging in the rational management of charisma.
Damian Thompson
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195178562
- eISBN:
- 9780199785070
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195178564.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter examines the significance of the year 2000 for Western society, evangelical Christianity, and Kensington Temple. It argues that in all three arenas, the millennium raised hopes that had ...
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This chapter examines the significance of the year 2000 for Western society, evangelical Christianity, and Kensington Temple. It argues that in all three arenas, the millennium raised hopes that had already been disappointed by the time it dawned. At Kensington Temple, a scheme to create a network of 2,000 churches by 2000, heavy with apocalyptic resonances, had to be abandoned in 1999; the theological maneuvering that followed illustrates what can happen when a charismatic strategy fails.Less
This chapter examines the significance of the year 2000 for Western society, evangelical Christianity, and Kensington Temple. It argues that in all three arenas, the millennium raised hopes that had already been disappointed by the time it dawned. At Kensington Temple, a scheme to create a network of 2,000 churches by 2000, heavy with apocalyptic resonances, had to be abandoned in 1999; the theological maneuvering that followed illustrates what can happen when a charismatic strategy fails.
Thomas Robbins and John R. Hall
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195177299
- eISBN:
- 9780199785537
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195177299.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Research relevant to teaching about NRMs and violence suggests that internal and external factors, and their interaction contribute to the occasional involvement of religious movements in violent ...
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Research relevant to teaching about NRMs and violence suggests that internal and external factors, and their interaction contribute to the occasional involvement of religious movements in violent episodes. Charismatic leadership, “totalistic” organization, and apocalyptic beliefs are among internal factors that have been implicated in violence, while external situational pressures include persecution and confrontational interaction with opponents. Teaching students about the situated connections between religious movements and violence presents special educational opportunities as well as challenges. An effective teaching program may help students understand both that elements of violence connected to NRMs have their parallels in wider social processes, e.g., in families, and that religion has the potential to exacerbate conflict. Due consideration needs to be given to defining violence, to theoretical explanations of violence, to historical and comparative cases, and to a series of basic questions about violence and religion in order to give students a basis for seeking to explain contemporary cases of NRM violence, extending even to the consideration of religious terrorism.Less
Research relevant to teaching about NRMs and violence suggests that internal and external factors, and their interaction contribute to the occasional involvement of religious movements in violent episodes. Charismatic leadership, “totalistic” organization, and apocalyptic beliefs are among internal factors that have been implicated in violence, while external situational pressures include persecution and confrontational interaction with opponents. Teaching students about the situated connections between religious movements and violence presents special educational opportunities as well as challenges. An effective teaching program may help students understand both that elements of violence connected to NRMs have their parallels in wider social processes, e.g., in families, and that religion has the potential to exacerbate conflict. Due consideration needs to be given to defining violence, to theoretical explanations of violence, to historical and comparative cases, and to a series of basic questions about violence and religion in order to give students a basis for seeking to explain contemporary cases of NRM violence, extending even to the consideration of religious terrorism.
Susan J. Palmer and David G. Bromley
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195177299
- eISBN:
- 9780199785537
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195177299.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter argues that myth and ritual in NRMs are oppositional in nature, challenging the status quo with “deliberate heresies”. Examples from the Rajneesh, The Family, the Raelians, ...
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This chapter argues that myth and ritual in NRMs are oppositional in nature, challenging the status quo with “deliberate heresies”. Examples from the Rajneesh, The Family, the Raelians, Unificationism, and others illustrate the spontaneous, improvisational “concocted” quality of NRM myths and rituals since their founder-prophets are myth-makers. The research on myth and ritual conducted by scholars in new religious studies is surveyed, and the various theoretical and disciplinary approaches to understanding the meaning and function of these two forms of religious expression in established traditions are outlined. Finally, practical teaching exercises designed to help students research NRMs and understand the qualities and function of myth and ritual are proposed.Less
This chapter argues that myth and ritual in NRMs are oppositional in nature, challenging the status quo with “deliberate heresies”. Examples from the Rajneesh, The Family, the Raelians, Unificationism, and others illustrate the spontaneous, improvisational “concocted” quality of NRM myths and rituals since their founder-prophets are myth-makers. The research on myth and ritual conducted by scholars in new religious studies is surveyed, and the various theoretical and disciplinary approaches to understanding the meaning and function of these two forms of religious expression in established traditions are outlined. Finally, practical teaching exercises designed to help students research NRMs and understand the qualities and function of myth and ritual are proposed.
Thomas B. Dozeman
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195367331
- eISBN:
- 9780199867417
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195367331.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
This chapter has three purposes. First, it seeks to fashion a biblical theology of ordination, that is grounded in the complex nature of the Mosaic office. Second, it explores how the structure of ...
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This chapter has three purposes. First, it seeks to fashion a biblical theology of ordination, that is grounded in the complex nature of the Mosaic office. Second, it explores how the structure of the Mosaic office, with the focus on the charismatic word and the sacred ritual, provides the foundation for ordination to word and sacrament in Christian tradition. Third, it investigates how individual communities of faith relate the prophetic and the priestly dimensions of the Mosaic office in unique ways that give rise to the rich variety of forms of ordination in Christian tradition, and with it the need for ecumenical dialogue.Less
This chapter has three purposes. First, it seeks to fashion a biblical theology of ordination, that is grounded in the complex nature of the Mosaic office. Second, it explores how the structure of the Mosaic office, with the focus on the charismatic word and the sacred ritual, provides the foundation for ordination to word and sacrament in Christian tradition. Third, it investigates how individual communities of faith relate the prophetic and the priestly dimensions of the Mosaic office in unique ways that give rise to the rich variety of forms of ordination in Christian tradition, and with it the need for ecumenical dialogue.
Susan Niditch
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195181142
- eISBN:
- 9780199869671
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195181142.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Judaism
This chapter explores the nexus in Israelite culture between maleness, charisma, warrior status, and hair. Central to this chapter is a close reading of tales in Judges 13–16 about the superhero ...
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This chapter explores the nexus in Israelite culture between maleness, charisma, warrior status, and hair. Central to this chapter is a close reading of tales in Judges 13–16 about the superhero Samson, a Nazirite from birth. Themes of us versus them, Israelite versus Philistine, are in part created by images of hair. The chapter also includes a close philological analysis of Judges 5:2, an important line about warriors in an ancient poem, and a study of the long-haired, would-be hero Absalom, ambitious and rebellious son of King David, whose hair suggests charisma only to become a source and symbol of his undoing.Less
This chapter explores the nexus in Israelite culture between maleness, charisma, warrior status, and hair. Central to this chapter is a close reading of tales in Judges 13–16 about the superhero Samson, a Nazirite from birth. Themes of us versus them, Israelite versus Philistine, are in part created by images of hair. The chapter also includes a close philological analysis of Judges 5:2, an important line about warriors in an ancient poem, and a study of the long-haired, would-be hero Absalom, ambitious and rebellious son of King David, whose hair suggests charisma only to become a source and symbol of his undoing.
Diana G. Tumminia
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195176759
- eISBN:
- 9780199835720
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195176758.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Ruth Norman, who played the role of Uriel the Archangel, illustrates the power of charisma in a spiritual group. The death of a leader can affect the transition of authority as illustrated by several ...
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Ruth Norman, who played the role of Uriel the Archangel, illustrates the power of charisma in a spiritual group. The death of a leader can affect the transition of authority as illustrated by several examples (e.g., Theosophy, ISKCON, Spirit Fruit Company, among others). Max Weber’s theory of routinization of charisma indicates several possibilities for transition. The group coped with the death of Uriel and Antares through past-life therapy and channeling.Less
Ruth Norman, who played the role of Uriel the Archangel, illustrates the power of charisma in a spiritual group. The death of a leader can affect the transition of authority as illustrated by several examples (e.g., Theosophy, ISKCON, Spirit Fruit Company, among others). Max Weber’s theory of routinization of charisma indicates several possibilities for transition. The group coped with the death of Uriel and Antares through past-life therapy and channeling.
James K. Wellman Jr.
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195300116
- eISBN:
- 9780199868742
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195300116.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Ritual activity and organizational dynamics are habits of practice embodying the ways groups and individuals function, pray, organize, and interact, including their participation on the Web. ...
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Ritual activity and organizational dynamics are habits of practice embodying the ways groups and individuals function, pray, organize, and interact, including their participation on the Web. Organizational dynamics in each group are compared on how they relate to each other in communities; in liberal groups, more informal though intimate; in evangelical groups, focusing on families and small group work. Patterns of family and approaches to gender are compared, with liberals more egalitarian and evangelicals more traditional in their approaches. Finally, on leadership, the charismatic makeup of evangelical churches is contrasted with the more bureaucratic and functionary aspects of the liberal congregational leadership style.Less
Ritual activity and organizational dynamics are habits of practice embodying the ways groups and individuals function, pray, organize, and interact, including their participation on the Web. Organizational dynamics in each group are compared on how they relate to each other in communities; in liberal groups, more informal though intimate; in evangelical groups, focusing on families and small group work. Patterns of family and approaches to gender are compared, with liberals more egalitarian and evangelicals more traditional in their approaches. Finally, on leadership, the charismatic makeup of evangelical churches is contrasted with the more bureaucratic and functionary aspects of the liberal congregational leadership style.
Wayne Hudson
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195369786
- eISBN:
- 9780199871292
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369786.003.013
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter argues that Joseph Smith is a genuine prophet of world historical importance. In a bold reversal (a non-Mormon), it takes such status as a historical given and a starting point that can ...
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This chapter argues that Joseph Smith is a genuine prophet of world historical importance. In a bold reversal (a non-Mormon), it takes such status as a historical given and a starting point that can enrich our study of various prophethoods, rather than as a laurel to be disputed about in religiously provincial and self-serving ways. This position is based largely on the enduring consequences of Smith's prophetic output, and then turns to analyze the constituent elements of his prophetic vocation: intelligibility, sincerity, charismatic force, cognitive complexity, and effectiveness. The chapter's main contribution in this regard is to probe the possibilities of taking prophecy seriously as an aspect of religious experience and cultural import, both objective and culturally mediated, but to do so without lapsing into irrationalism.Less
This chapter argues that Joseph Smith is a genuine prophet of world historical importance. In a bold reversal (a non-Mormon), it takes such status as a historical given and a starting point that can enrich our study of various prophethoods, rather than as a laurel to be disputed about in religiously provincial and self-serving ways. This position is based largely on the enduring consequences of Smith's prophetic output, and then turns to analyze the constituent elements of his prophetic vocation: intelligibility, sincerity, charismatic force, cognitive complexity, and effectiveness. The chapter's main contribution in this regard is to probe the possibilities of taking prophecy seriously as an aspect of religious experience and cultural import, both objective and culturally mediated, but to do so without lapsing into irrationalism.
Ennis Barrington Edmonds
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195133769
- eISBN:
- 9780199834167
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195133765.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, World Religions
Max Weber's theory of charisma and routinization is related to his concern with ideas as social forces, to his view of rationalization as the basis for human action and societal organization, and to ...
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Max Weber's theory of charisma and routinization is related to his concern with ideas as social forces, to his view of rationalization as the basis for human action and societal organization, and to his concern about how domination/authority is acquired and legitimated. This chapter reviews and critiques this theory and suggests that, contrary to Weber's contention, Rastafari has entrenched itself in Jamaican society without the development of formal organizational structures. Rastafari's routinization has been occasioned by the development of an informal network and ethos, by the changing attitudes of Jamaican society to the movement, and by the dominant influence the movement has exerted on Jamaican society since the 1960s.Less
Max Weber's theory of charisma and routinization is related to his concern with ideas as social forces, to his view of rationalization as the basis for human action and societal organization, and to his concern about how domination/authority is acquired and legitimated. This chapter reviews and critiques this theory and suggests that, contrary to Weber's contention, Rastafari has entrenched itself in Jamaican society without the development of formal organizational structures. Rastafari's routinization has been occasioned by the development of an informal network and ethos, by the changing attitudes of Jamaican society to the movement, and by the dominant influence the movement has exerted on Jamaican society since the 1960s.
Ennis Barrington Edmonds
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195133769
- eISBN:
- 9780199834167
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195133765.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, World Religions
This study of Rastafari suggests that charisma is a collective social phenomenon, generated as much by historical and social forces, as by the extraordinary qualities of charismatic leaders. The ...
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This study of Rastafari suggests that charisma is a collective social phenomenon, generated as much by historical and social forces, as by the extraordinary qualities of charismatic leaders. The simultaneous appearance of multiple charismatic leaders advocating a similar message during the emergence of Rastafari supports this conclusion. With regard to routinization, this study of Rastafari further suggests that a new movement may become entrenched in the fabric of a culture or society without developing the institutional structures generally associated with routinization. In this respect, closer attention should be paid to the internal development of the movement, its ongoing relationship with the rest of the society, and especially its ability to influence cultural change. Future development in the structure and ethos of Rastafari will depend on which impulse gains ascendancy – the traditional philosophical individuality or the yearning for some kind of centralized organization that will be able to pursue more systemic structural change in Jamaican society.Less
This study of Rastafari suggests that charisma is a collective social phenomenon, generated as much by historical and social forces, as by the extraordinary qualities of charismatic leaders. The simultaneous appearance of multiple charismatic leaders advocating a similar message during the emergence of Rastafari supports this conclusion. With regard to routinization, this study of Rastafari further suggests that a new movement may become entrenched in the fabric of a culture or society without developing the institutional structures generally associated with routinization. In this respect, closer attention should be paid to the internal development of the movement, its ongoing relationship with the rest of the society, and especially its ability to influence cultural change. Future development in the structure and ethos of Rastafari will depend on which impulse gains ascendancy – the traditional philosophical individuality or the yearning for some kind of centralized organization that will be able to pursue more systemic structural change in Jamaican society.
Andrew Bell
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199242344
- eISBN:
- 9780191714092
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199242344.003.0003
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter examines the democracy of classical Athens. It shows the remarkable power of a citizenry to restrict overweening individuality in its ceremonial life, but also shows the lingering ...
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This chapter examines the democracy of classical Athens. It shows the remarkable power of a citizenry to restrict overweening individuality in its ceremonial life, but also shows the lingering potential for infatuation with kingly charisma. This can be seen in abundance in the broader Hellenistic world.Less
This chapter examines the democracy of classical Athens. It shows the remarkable power of a citizenry to restrict overweening individuality in its ceremonial life, but also shows the lingering potential for infatuation with kingly charisma. This can be seen in abundance in the broader Hellenistic world.
John A. Hall
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691153261
- eISBN:
- 9781400847495
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691153261.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter examines communism. Communism in premodern circumstances was extremely rare. It requires a very considerable break in normal societal relations in order to institutionalize it. Conquest ...
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This chapter examines communism. Communism in premodern circumstances was extremely rare. It requires a very considerable break in normal societal relations in order to institutionalize it. Conquest certainly creates a break of this sort, and it is this that explains the Jesuit communist communities in Paraguay quite as much as it does Sparta. Equally, millenarian expectations of religious charisma more generally so disrupt the normal as to induce social experimentation. The general point is reinforced by the aberrant case of early Iranian communism. Here the sharing of women was suggested by a ruler, Kavadh I, who was keen to discipline his nobility; once the idea had been put into practice and the nobility weakened, its ideology then came to be adopted by Mazdak, the leader of a peasant revolt.Less
This chapter examines communism. Communism in premodern circumstances was extremely rare. It requires a very considerable break in normal societal relations in order to institutionalize it. Conquest certainly creates a break of this sort, and it is this that explains the Jesuit communist communities in Paraguay quite as much as it does Sparta. Equally, millenarian expectations of religious charisma more generally so disrupt the normal as to induce social experimentation. The general point is reinforced by the aberrant case of early Iranian communism. Here the sharing of women was suggested by a ruler, Kavadh I, who was keen to discipline his nobility; once the idea had been put into practice and the nobility weakened, its ideology then came to be adopted by Mazdak, the leader of a peasant revolt.
Frank Graziano
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195124323
- eISBN:
- 9780199784561
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195124324.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter defines the key terms millennial, millennialism, messianism, messiah, apocalypse, apocalyptic, and apocalypticism, then provides an overview of the attributes of millennial thought and ...
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This chapter defines the key terms millennial, millennialism, messianism, messiah, apocalypse, apocalyptic, and apocalypticism, then provides an overview of the attributes of millennial thought and action. The overview introduces such themes as messianic responses to social crisis, charisma, legitimacy, fragmentation and unification, ritual and symbolic violence, symbolic inversion, and polarization.Less
This chapter defines the key terms millennial, millennialism, messianism, messiah, apocalypse, apocalyptic, and apocalypticism, then provides an overview of the attributes of millennial thought and action. The overview introduces such themes as messianic responses to social crisis, charisma, legitimacy, fragmentation and unification, ritual and symbolic violence, symbolic inversion, and polarization.
Frank Graziano
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195124323
- eISBN:
- 9780199784561
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195124324.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter presents a study of messianic leaders, beginning with a general discussion of the supernatural means by which messianic power is acquired and maintained. Subsequent sections explore the ...
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This chapter presents a study of messianic leaders, beginning with a general discussion of the supernatural means by which messianic power is acquired and maintained. Subsequent sections explore the dialogical relation between the charismatic and his followers, and the catastrophic consequences when the charismatic’s promises are broken. The case studies focus on Lope de Aguirre, Simón Bolívar, Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre, Juan and Evita Perón, the messiahs of Brazil (including Antonio Conselheiro), and Ezequiel Ataucusi Gamonal.Less
This chapter presents a study of messianic leaders, beginning with a general discussion of the supernatural means by which messianic power is acquired and maintained. Subsequent sections explore the dialogical relation between the charismatic and his followers, and the catastrophic consequences when the charismatic’s promises are broken. The case studies focus on Lope de Aguirre, Simón Bolívar, Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre, Juan and Evita Perón, the messiahs of Brazil (including Antonio Conselheiro), and Ezequiel Ataucusi Gamonal.
G. E. R. Lloyd
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199567874
- eISBN:
- 9780191721649
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199567874.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
Many conflicting definitions of religion have been proposed. Some put the emphasis on beliefs and doctrines, others on practices and rituals, yet others on institutions (churches, temples, ...
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Many conflicting definitions of religion have been proposed. Some put the emphasis on beliefs and doctrines, others on practices and rituals, yet others on institutions (churches, temples, priesthoods) or on a sacred text. What is the role of charismatic leaders and elites in founding a religion, and once it is established, how is innovation viewed or how is change possible? While some religions hold that direct access to the divinity is possible, others deny that and emphasize the role of intermediaries as the interpreters of revelation. How are those labelled deviants or heretics to be treated? One recurrent preoccupation is with pollution or what is unclean — ideas that span religion, morality, and medicine. Counterintuitive and paradoxical views are a prominent feature of most religions, presenting problems of credibility for the sceptic, but underlining, for the believer, the exceptional nature and value of the faith. This chapter studies these issues in relation to ethnographic reports of shamanism and initiation, to Christianity, and to ancient Greek and Chinese religious experience especially.Less
Many conflicting definitions of religion have been proposed. Some put the emphasis on beliefs and doctrines, others on practices and rituals, yet others on institutions (churches, temples, priesthoods) or on a sacred text. What is the role of charismatic leaders and elites in founding a religion, and once it is established, how is innovation viewed or how is change possible? While some religions hold that direct access to the divinity is possible, others deny that and emphasize the role of intermediaries as the interpreters of revelation. How are those labelled deviants or heretics to be treated? One recurrent preoccupation is with pollution or what is unclean — ideas that span religion, morality, and medicine. Counterintuitive and paradoxical views are a prominent feature of most religions, presenting problems of credibility for the sceptic, but underlining, for the believer, the exceptional nature and value of the faith. This chapter studies these issues in relation to ethnographic reports of shamanism and initiation, to Christianity, and to ancient Greek and Chinese religious experience especially.
J. R. Maddicott
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199585502
- eISBN:
- 9780191723148
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199585502.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Medieval History, Political History
This chapter charts the evolution of national assemblies from Æthelstan's reign to the Norman Conquest. It shows that these were truly national gatherings, drawing in large numbers of men from all ...
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This chapter charts the evolution of national assemblies from Æthelstan's reign to the Norman Conquest. It shows that these were truly national gatherings, drawing in large numbers of men from all parts of the country. Known by contemporaries as the ‘witan’, they could also be viewed as representative bodies which spoke for the whole nation. They did so frequently and regularly, meeting normally at the great feasts of the church, and acquiring through their regular meetings the characteristics of an institution. They were essentially concerned with the business of government: the discussion of national affairs, legislation, state trials, and royal acts of patronage. But they also served to demonstrate the king's charisma and authority by providing occasions for royal crown‐wearing and display.Less
This chapter charts the evolution of national assemblies from Æthelstan's reign to the Norman Conquest. It shows that these were truly national gatherings, drawing in large numbers of men from all parts of the country. Known by contemporaries as the ‘witan’, they could also be viewed as representative bodies which spoke for the whole nation. They did so frequently and regularly, meeting normally at the great feasts of the church, and acquiring through their regular meetings the characteristics of an institution. They were essentially concerned with the business of government: the discussion of national affairs, legislation, state trials, and royal acts of patronage. But they also served to demonstrate the king's charisma and authority by providing occasions for royal crown‐wearing and display.
