New Antiquities: Transformations of Ancient Religion in the New Age and Beyond

New Antiquities explores how individuals and groups appeal to, reinterpret, and reinvent the religious world of the ancient Mediterranean to legitimize contemporary religious culture and activity. It draws from religious studies, archaeology, history, philology, and anthropology and covers a diversity of cultic and geographic milieus, from Goddess Spirituality to Neo-Gnosticism. The book is written in a lively and engaging style that appeals to professional scholars and advanced undergraduates as well as lay scholars.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 27 July 2021
\n Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd
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Just as we speak of "dead" languages, we say that religions "die out." Yet, sometimes, people try to revive them, today more than ever. New Antiquities addresses this phenomenon through a critical examination of how individuals and groups appeal to, re-conceptualize, and reinvent the religious world of the ancient Mediterranean as they attempt to legitimize developments in contemporary religious culture and associated activity. Drawing from the disciplines of religious studies, archaeology, history, philology, and anthropology, New Antiquities explores a diversity of cultic and geographic milieus, ranging from Goddess Spirituality to Neo-Gnosticism, from rural Oregon to the former Yugoslavia. As a survey of the reception of ancient religious works, figures, and ideas in later twentieth-century and contemporary alternative religious practice, New Antiquities will interest classicists, Egyptologists, and historians of religion of many stripes, particularly those focused on modern Theosophy, Gnosticism, Neopaganism, New Religious Movements, Magick, and Occulture. The book is written in a lively and engaging style that will appeal to professional scholars and advanced undergraduates as well as lay scholars.

Introduction:
The study of religion has always been a fascinating and complex field, encompassing a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions. However, as societies evolve and change, certain religions may fade away or become marginalized. This phenomenon is not unique to our modern world; throughout history, there have been numerous instances of religions "dying out" or being revived. In this essay, we will explore the phenomenon of religious revival and its implications for contemporary society.

Defining Religious Revival:
Religious revival can be defined as the process by which a religion that has been neglected or marginalized for a long time is re-energized and revitalized. This can occur through a variety of means, including the publication of new religious texts, the establishment of new religious institutions, the revival of traditional practices, and the recruitment of new members. Religious revival can also be driven by social, political, and cultural factors, such as the emergence of new ideologies, the breakdown of traditional social structures, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

The Case of Dead Languages:
One example of religious revival is the revival of dead languages. Many languages that were once widely spoken have become extinct or marginalized over time, but efforts have been made to revive them. For instance, the Hebrew language, which was spoken by the ancient Israelites, was revived in the late 19th century through the efforts of Jewish scholars and linguists. Today, Hebrew is a widely spoken language in Israel and around the world.

The Case of Dead Religions:
Similarly, there have been efforts to revive dead religions. For example, the Wiccan religion, which was founded in the 19th century by Gerald Gardner, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Wicca is a neo-pagan religion that incorporates elements of ancient paganism and modern witchcraft. It has a large and diverse following, particularly in the United States and Europe.

The Implications of Religious Revival:
Religious revival has significant implications for contemporary society. Firstly, it can provide a sense of identity and belonging for individuals who are seeking to connect with their cultural or religious heritage. For example, the revival of Wicca has provided a platform for individuals who identify as pagan or witchcraft practitioners to connect with others who share their beliefs and practices.

Secondly, religious revival can challenge traditional religious institutions and ideologies. For example, the emergence of new religious movements, such as the New Religious Movements and the Magick movement, has challenged traditional religious hierarchies and authority structures. These movements have often been criticized for their lack of structure and their emphasis on personal experience and self-discovery.

Thirdly, religious revival can contribute to social and political change. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States was heavily influenced by the African American religious tradition, which provided a sense of purpose and identity for African Americans during a time of great struggle and oppression.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, religious revival is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has significant implications for contemporary society. While it can provide a sense of identity and belonging for individuals and challenge traditional religious institutions, it can also contribute to social and political change. As societies continue to evolve and change, it will be interesting to see how religious revival continues to shape and influence our world.

\n Weight: 592g\n
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800501065\n \n