Redefining Ancient Orphism: A Study in Greek Religion by Radcliffe G. Edmonds II

Description: Redefining Ancient Orphism by Radcliffe G. Edmonds III This book examines the fragmentary evidence for Orpheus as the author of rites and poems, redefining Orphism as a label applied polemically to extra-ordinary religious phenomena. Replacing older models of an Orphic religion, this richer and more complex model provides insight into the boundaries of normal and abnormal Greek religion. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description This book examines the fragmentary and contradictory evidence for Orpheus as the author of rites and poems to redefine Orphism as a label applied polemically to extra-ordinary religious phenomena. Replacing older models of an Orphic religion, this richer and more complex model provides insight into the boundaries of normal and abnormal Greek religion. The study traces the construction of the category of Orphic from its first appearances in the Classical period, through the centuries of philosophical and religious polemics, especially in the formation of early Christianity and again in the debates over the origins of Christianity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A paradigm shift in the study of Greek religion, this study provides scholars of classics, early Christianity, ancient religion and philosophy with a new model for understanding the nature of ancient Orphism, including ideas of afterlife, cosmogony, sacred scriptures, rituals of purification and initiation, and exotic mythology. Author Biography Radcliffe G. Edmonds III is Professor and Chair of the Department of Greek, Latin and Classical Studies at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania. He is author of Myths of the Underworld Journey: Plato, Aristophanes, and the Orphic Gold Tablets (2004) and editor of The Orphic Gold Tablets and Greek Religion: Further along the Path (2011). Table of Contents Part I. Introduction: Definitions Old and New: 1. The name of Orpheus; 2. Orphism through the ages: a history of scholarship; 3. The problem of definition; Part II. Orphic Scriptures or the Vaporings of Many Books?: 4. Orphic textuality: a hubbub of books; 5. Orphic Hieroi Logoi: sacred texts for the rites; 6. Orphic mythology: the content of Orphic poems; Part III. Orphic Doctrines or the Pure from the Pure?: 7. Orphic purity: piety or superstition?; 8. Life in the afterlife: the initiates privilege and the mythic tradition; 9. Original sin or ancestral crimes: Zagreus and the concern with purification; 10. Conclusions: redefining ancient Orphism. Promotional In a paradigm shift, this book redefines Orphism as a polemical label for extra-ordinary religion, good or bad. Promotional "Headline" In a paradigm shift, this book redefines Orphism as a polemical label for extra-ordinary religion, good or bad. Description for Bookstore This book examines the fragmentary evidence for Orpheus as the author of rites and poems, redefining Orphism as a label applied polemically to extra-ordinary religious phenomena. Replacing older models of an Orphic religion, this richer and more complex model provides insight into the boundaries of normal and abnormal Greek religion. Description for Library This book examines the fragmentary evidence for Orpheus as the author of rites and poems, redefining Orphism as a label applied polemically to extra-ordinary religious phenomena. Replacing older models of an Orphic religion, this richer and more complex model provides insight into the boundaries of normal and abnormal Greek religion. Details ISBN1107038219 Publisher Cambridge University Press Year 2013 ISBN-10 1107038219 ISBN-13 9781107038219 Format Hardcover Imprint Cambridge University Press Subtitle A Study in Greek Religion Place of Publication Cambridge Country of Publication United Kingdom DEWEY 292.08 Media Book Publication Date 2013-11-07 Short Title REDEFINING ANCIENT ORPHISM Language English Pages 464 UK Release Date 2013-11-07 AU Release Date 2013-11-07 NZ Release Date 2013-11-07 Illustrations 1 Halftones, unspecified; 1 Halftones, black and white; 2 Line drawings, black and white Author Radcliffe G. Edmonds III Alternative 9781108730075 Audience Professional & Vocational We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:91396971;

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