Ethiopian Jewish Ascetic Religious Communities

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bar Kribus
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Religious Tradition ◽  
Popular Literature ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Archaeological Survey ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Ascetic Communities ◽  
Ethiopian Jews

The Betä Isra'el (Ethiopian Jews) have a unique history and religious tradition, one of the most fascinating aspects of which are the mäloksocc, commonly referred to as monks in scholarly and popular literature. The mäloksocc served as the supreme religious leaders of the Betä Isra'el and were charged with educating and initiating Betä Isra'el priests. They lived in separate compounds and observed severe purity laws prohibiting physical contact with the laity. Thus, they are the only known example in medieval and modern Jewry of ascetic communities withdrawing from the secular world and devoting themselves fully to religious life. This book presents the results of the first comprehensive research ever conducted on the way of life and material culture of the ascetic religious communities of the Betä Isra'el. A major part of this research is an archaeological survey, during which these religious centres were located and documented in detail for the first time.

Judy Jaffe-Schagen, Having and Belonging: Homes and Museums in Israel. New York: Berghahn Books, 2016. x + 221 pp.

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Material Culture ◽  
Cultural Landscape ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Nation State ◽  
Main Argument ◽  
Multicultural Society ◽  
Melting Pot ◽  
Ethiopian Jews ◽  
State Of Israel

This chapter reviews the book Having and Belonging: Homes and Museums in Israel (2016), by Judy Jaffe-Schagen. In Having and Belonging, Jaffe-Schagen explores the connection between identity, material culture, and location. Focusing on eight cases involving Chabad, religious Zionists, Moroccan Jews, Iraqi Jews, Ethiopian Jews, Russian Jews, Christian Arabs, and Muslim Arabs, the book shows how various minority groups in Israel are represented through objects and material culture in homes and museums. According to Jaffe-Schagen, in the politicized cultural landscape of borderless Israel, location not only affects the interplay between objects and people but can also provide important insights about citizenship. Her main argument is that the nation-state of Israel is not a multicultural society because it has failed to serve as a cultural “melting pot” for the various immigration groups.

Latina/o Religious Studies Since the 1970s

2020 ◽  
pp. 218-235
Author(s):  
Felipe Hinojosa
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Studies ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Religious Studies ◽  
Community Formation ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Fields Of Study ◽  
Church Hierarchy ◽  
Faith Practices ◽  
The Times

This article provides an overview of the field of Latina/o religious studies since the 1970s. Motivated by the political tenor of the times, Latina/o religious studies began as a political project committed to contextualizing theological studies by stressing racial identity, resistance to church hierarchy, and economic inequality. Rooted in a robust interdisciplinary approach, Latina/o religious studies pulls from multiple fields of study. This article, however, focuses on the field’s engagements with ethnic studies in the last fifty years, from the 1970s to the contemporary period. It argues that while the field began as a way to tell the stories, faith practices, and theologies of religious insiders (i.e., clergy and religious leaders), recent scholarship has expanded the field to include the broader themes of community formation, labor, social movements, immigrant activism, and an intentional focus on the relationships with non-religious communities.

scholarly journals Towards Religious Understanding: An Assessment of the Ambivalence Roles of Religious Leaders in Christian-Muslim Relations in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-20
Author(s):  
Rapheal Joseph Ojo
Keyword(s):  
Religious Communities ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
General Belief ◽  
Religious Conflicts ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Religious Understanding ◽  
Shaky Ground

The world today is becoming more violent than ever before. Sometimes, the violence can be political, ethnic, economic and or religious. In most cases, distinguishing the main cause of such violence from other causes might be difficult. The factors could be a combination of two issues viz: ethnoreligious conflicts or politico-religious conflicts. The religious experience in Nigeria today, as a multi-religious society so far has proven contrary to the general belief and the widespread expectation of people about religion as an institution that promotes social integration. Christian-Muslim relations in Nigeria today (though being the dominant religions in Nigeria) is standing on shaky ground. The relationship is highly characterized by mutual suspicion, mistrust and distrust. In understanding this characterized reality in their interactions, this work interrogated the ambivalence roles played by religious leaders in Nigeria. And in doing this, the ethnographic research method was adopted. As part of its findings, it was discovered that there is a high level of intolerance among Christians and Muslims in Nigeria occasioned by unguarded utterances and abuse of freedom of speech by many uncensored religious leaders. Thus, setting the stage for avoidable and constant religious confrontations among the adherents of the two religious communities in Nigeria. The study recommends that peaceful co-existence can be possible if the government is responsible and responsive enough to address the basic needs of her masses which would reduce largely the manipulation of religion by clerics for personal gain. Furthermore, the place of meaningful dialogue should be embraced by religious leaders across different religious divides. Keywords: Christian-Muslim Relations, Dialogue, Peaceful Co-existence, Religious leaders, Religious Understanding

Tracking Cahokians through Material Culture

2020 ◽  
pp. 49-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven L. Boles
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Trade Network ◽  
Cultural Centers ◽  
Pros And Cons

Discussions on the rise and fall of great cities or nations typically entails a list of contributing factors leading to and from florescence. What is often lacking in broad discussions is the tracking of people to and from such cultural centers. In this article, I focus on Cahokia, the largest prehistoric city north of Mexico, and explore the various types of recognizable Cahokia artifacts found scattered in all directions from the site. While I weigh the pros and cons of using these items, I argue that flint clay figurines and pipes were likely associated with the migration of Cahokian religious leaders. This notion counters the oft-cited trade network or exchange of elite goods theories assumed to account for the disbursal of such items outside greater Cahokia.

The Book of Mormon

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Perry Mueller
Keyword(s):  
Native Americans ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
White Americans ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
William Apess ◽  
New Jerusalem ◽  
Early American ◽  
Book Of Mormon ◽  
The Future

This chapter examines the Book of Mormon's racial theology of “white universalism.” It explores the supposed pre-Columbian history that the Book of Mormon contains, notably the origins of Native Americans as a remnant of Israelites called the “Lamanites.” It also explores the future that the Book of Mormon prophesies in which the Lamanites unify with believing “Gentiles” to become one “white and a delightsome” people and together build a New Jerusalem in America before Christ’s return. The chapter also includes an examination of the Book of Mormon prophet, “Samuel, the Lamanite.” Samuel’s case, along with other marginalized early American religious leaders like William Apess and Jerana Lee, shows that non-white Americans have a “privileged sight” onto America and America’s religious communities that fail to live up to their own ideals of inclusion and equality. The views of marginalized figures are thus essential for an accurate accounting of America’s past.

Material Culture

1957 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 98-264
Author(s):  
Jesse D. Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Observational Data ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Living Culture ◽  
Material Things

Before outlining this section concerned with material culture I should perhaps try to be explicit about the philosophy which guides me in archeological matters. It is my conviction that archeological work does not transcend antiquarianism (a legitimate and justifiable occupation) unless the specimens and the observational data are regarded as reflecting some cultural situation. For me a continuing circular preoccupation with artifacts is sterile. The only excuse for excavation, it seems, is that ever-present hope that by means of archeological search we can catch a meaningful glimpse of, or a series of moments in, a once dynamic living culture. In this interest, of course, I am not alone.It seems to me we are interested in archeological specimens because we are in reality, and at some distance, and often obscurely, working with a way of life, for which the observed relationships and the artifacts are the meager documentation. One freely admits that the archeological record is very incomplete; it is, moreover, heavily weighted towards the material things.

A Stronger Case for Religion: Perspectives on Multicultural Education and on Religiously Affiliated Schools

2000 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-63
Author(s):  
Friedrich Schweitzer
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Multicultural Education ◽  
Democratic Education ◽  
Religious Tradition ◽  
The Self ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Religiously Affiliated ◽  
Critical Reflexivity ◽  
New Synthesis

Against all possible objections, religiously affiliated schools clearly have a place within multicultural education. Yet they may only play their future role if they really are, or become, agents of educational reform, for example, with a clear emphasis on interreligious learning and on supporting a new synthesis between religious tradition and critical reflexivity of the self. Churches and religious communities must come to understand themselves as well as their educational institutions as part of the strong civil society on which the future of democratic education may well depend.

The Monasteries Founded by the Thirteen Syrian Fathers in Iberia

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-39
Author(s):  
Shota Matitashvili
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ages ◽  
Cultural Landscape ◽  
Fourth Century ◽  
Tenth Century ◽  
Sixth Century ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ascetic Communities ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Written Sources

A new step in the history of Christian monasticism in eastern Georgia is associated with thirteen Syrian monks, led by John, who came to Iberia (K‘art‘li) in the mid-sixth century C.E. They were the bearers of a Syrian tradition that implied the combination of an heroic ascetic endeavor and an apostolic mission. They came as spiritual heirs of St. Nino, a Cappadocian virgin who converted Georgia to Christianity in the beginning of the fourth century. Their vitae were first composed by a certain hagiographer named John-Martyrius, but this work does not survive. In the tenth century, the head of the Georgian Church and the distinguished ecclesiastical writer Arsenius II (955–980) depicted their lives and deeds based on different oral and written sources. Later, other unknown authors also wrote additional hagiographical works about these Syrian ascetics. At the beginning of their ascetic and ecclesiastical careers, the thirteen Syrian monks settled on Zedazeni mountain with their spiritual supervisor, John. John later sent them to different corners of the Iberian kingdom in opposition to paganism and Zoroastrianism. They founded monasteries and became influential religious leaders during the second half of the sixth century. Through their vitae, composed by Arsenius and other unknown authors, it is possible to trace the process of transforming the small ascetic communities established by Syrian monks into great feudal organizations. These monasteries had an important impact on the Georgian social and cultural landscape during the Middle Ages.

Environmental survey and trial excavation at prehistoric settlement site in Neyshabur Plain, Northeastern Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juzhong Zhang ◽  
Qilong Cui ◽  
Wuhong Luo ◽  
Yuzhang Yang ◽  
Omran Garazhian
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Geological Survey ◽  
Crocus Sativus ◽  
Gobi Desert ◽  
Archaeological Survey ◽  
Alhagi Sparsifolia ◽  
Settlement Site

<p> Razavi Khorasan Province in the northeast of Iran, located at the Crossroads of Eurasia, was an important point of the middle part of the Silk Road. Neyshabur Plain is situated an important transporting hub of the major thoroughfare of Eurasia. A large number of sites are distributed in the river valleys and the alluvial fans in front of the mountains. Archaeological survey was carried out in Neyshabur Plain, and more than 10 sites were discovered, which are in form of mounds of earth, named as Tape. Seen from the cultural relics on the surface, these sites were occupied by successive cultural sequences, mainly ranging from Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze to Iron Age. This appearance indicates that the climate and environment in the past was better than now. Today, the region is characterized by dry climate, and poor land resources. The land is dominated by Gobi Desert, and the wide vegetation is dominated by Camel thorn (Alhagi sparsifolia). Only in which Karez irrigation system exists, can wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and saffron (Crocus sativus) be cultivated, while a few orchard is present in some river valley areas.</p><p>    Tape Borj, which is the largest prehistoric settlement site in the east part of Neyshabur plain, Razavi Khorasan Province, NE Iran, covers an area of 13.5 ha. A total area of 110 m<sup>2</sup> was excavated in the north and northwest part of the site, and some geological survey were also conducted around the site in 2019. A total of 14 ash pits, 4 houses, 6 ovens, and one well were unearthed during the excavation. According to the AMS dates and material culture, the cultural deposits can be divided into two phases, including Chalcolithic Age during 6500 BP and 6000 BP and early Bronze Age during 5500 BP and 5000 BP. Some wheat, barley, oats (Avena sativa), and seeds of Celtis sinensis, as well as a large number of animal bones, which are dominated by sheep and goats were discovered. The results can basically reflect the economic structure and subsistence strategy of prehistoric ancestors. Geological survey indicates that two paleo river course ever went through the east and west sides of the site during the prehistoric period. In addition, some samples were systematically collected for pollen and phytolith analysis, in order to understand the paleoenvorinment and the utilization of plant resources by the ancient people at the site from the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age. Our work can provide some precious material data for studying the evolution of the paleoenvrionment and development of agriculture and animal husbandry in this region.</p>

Une Enquête Préparatoire au Sujet de la Religiosité des Populations d'Ukraine (*)

1974 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
A.A. Eryshev
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Young People ◽  
Religious Tradition ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Russian Orthodox ◽  
Religious Congregations ◽  
The Soviet Union ◽  
The Family ◽  
Republican Conference

The author analyzes sectarian (Protestant) and Russian Orthodox religious communities on the basis of field work carried out in various regions of the Ukraine during 1963- 1965. Scholars were aided by Communist Party propagandists, and results were discussed at a republican conference in December 1965. The author demonstrates that the western regions of the Ukraine (which were incorporated into the Soviet Union later than the eastern regions) have higher percentages of young people in religious congregations. Religious tradition and education within the family are important factors in this respect, particularly among sectarian groups. The reasons for joining a religious group, or for switching affiliation, are discussed, with statistics given.

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