This collection of 10 essays explores the uses of social theory for understanding ancient Israelite religion and culture. Some essays evaluate past work, such as that of Pierre Bourdieu or Max Weber, while others forge original arguments on particularly topics from socio-anthropological, post-colonial, or sociological perspectives. Essay topics touch on everything from gender to social change to relationships between text and ritual to the dynamics of shame and honor. Some specific essays consider the past 40 years of research on the Israelite religion, anthropological perspectives on religious feasts and festivals, a prophetic critique of rituals, cult centralization and its implications for women's religious practice, violence and mourning rites, and witchcraft accusations. The contributors are scholars of Hebrew and Israelite religion from North American and Europe. Annotation 2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
