Cosmologies of Pure Realms and the Rhetoric of Pollution

A new theory of purity and pollution in religion is developed by two scholars from different fields, using comparative data sets to show how a culture's cosmology shapes its pollution ideas and practices. The authors argue that cosmologies reinforce fears of pollution and that embodied experiences of purification help generate cosmological ideas. This book is of vital interest to scholars and graduate students in religion, biblical studies, and anthropology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking collaboration between two scholars from diverse fields of religious studies employs a comparative analysis of three comprehensive data sets to formulate a novel theory of purity and pollution in religion. The authors argue that a culture's beliefs about cosmic realms profoundly influence its perceptions of pollution and the practices employed for purification. By refining Mary Douglas's foundational theory of pollution as matter out of place, the authors employ a comparative approach to demonstrate that a culture's cosmology determines which materials and locations constitute pollution. Through a historical comparison of Ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean religions, an ethnographic study of indigenous shamanism on Jeju Island, Korea, and the reception history of biblical rhetoric about pollution in Jewish and Christian cultures, the authors showcase the efficacy of a cosmological account of purity across diverse religious and cultural contexts. They conclude that cosmologies reinforce fears of pollution, while embodied experiences of purification contribute to the generation of cosmological ideas.

This book offers a groundbreaking perspective on a crucial topic in ritual studies, making it of immense interest to scholars and graduate students in religion, biblical studies, and anthropology. By delving into the intricate relationship between cosmology, pollution, and purification, the authors shed light on the complex dynamics that shape religious beliefs and practices across different cultures and historical periods. The comprehensive analysis and innovative insights provided in this book will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing discourse in these fields and inspire further research and exploration.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367722777