The Churches and Rites of Passage: Volume 59

Studies in Church History 59 explores the historical development of life events to which churches have responded with specific rites and ceremonies, contributing to the debate about rites of passage in both ecclesiastical and secular contexts. The articles cover major life cycle events and less widespread rites, demonstrating the continuing potency of these rites and their ability to be refashioned for successive generations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 452 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Studies in Church History 59 delves into the intricate tapestry of historical events that have shaped the responses of churches to these pivotal moments. This comprehensive volume contributes to the ongoing discourse in life cycle history, as well as the ongoing debate surrounding rites of passage, both within the ecclesiastical and secular realms. The examination encompasses a wide range of major life cycle events, including birth, marriage, and death, as well as the profound ceremonies associated with them, such as the churching or purification of women after childbirth, confirmation, first communion, ordination, and less commonly observed rites of passage, such as royal anointing and the renunciation of wealth. Spanning the rich tapestry of Christian history, the twenty-two papers in this collection feature insightful contributions from esteemed scholars like Frances Knight, Thomas O Loughlin, Elisabeth van Houts, and Alexandra Walsham. Together, these articles provide compelling evidence of the enduring significance of ecclesiastical rites of passage, as well as their remarkable adaptability to meet the evolving needs of successive generations of believers.

ISBN-13: 9781009421744