The Sociology of Ritual and Monotheistic Emergence
Study of anthropological theories behind religious transition and social control mechanisms
Course Instructors
To Be Announced
Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies
Details
A study of the anthropological and sociological theories behind religious transition (henotheism to monotheism). Focuses on the function of sacrifice, pilgrimage, and purity laws as mechanisms for social control, national identity, and boundary maintenance.
Course Curriculum
No Curriculum yet
What You Will Learn
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Monotheistic Emergence: Study sociological factors in Israelite monotheism
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Ritual Functions: Analyze sacrifice, purity, pilgrimage socially
FAQs
Factors include political centralization under monarchy, need for national unity against enemies, prophetic critique of local shrines, and exile experience.
Rituals create social cohesion, mark group boundaries, transmit values, manage anxiety, and legitimize social structures through sacred authority.
They regulate behavior, mark insider/outsider status, maintain hierarchical order (priests/laity), and symbolize moral and social boundaries.
What is in this course?
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Duration : 1 Days
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Class Start Date : 2026-02-01
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Sociological Theory : Master application of social theory to religious phenomena
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Ritual Analysis : Develop skills in interpreting religious practices sociologically
