Households and holiness
Book Description
In this illuminating exploration, Carol L. Meyers challenges conventional understanding of women's spiritual roles in ancient Israel, revealing a rich tapestry of religious practice that has long been overlooked. Rather than accepting the narrow perspective of ancient male editors who shaped biblical texts, Meyers invites readers to discover the vibrant spiritual lives of ordinary women whose voices echo through archaeological evidence and cultural practices.
Drawing from diverse sources including archaeological discoveries, ritual objects, and ethnographic insights, this study unveils how women actively participated in sacred traditions that extended far beyond official temple worship. Through careful examination of fertility rites, protective rituals, naming ceremonies, and healing practices, Meyers demonstrates that women's spirituality encompassed a broad spectrum of meaningful religious expression.
The author skillfully weaves together evidence from figurines, amulets, ceremonial lamps, and inscriptions to reconstruct a more complete picture of ancient spiritual life. By examining practices alongside beliefs, and considering magic as a legitimate form of religious expression, this work offers fresh perspectives on how faith was lived and experienced in household settings.
For contemporary readers seeking to understand the full spectrum of spiritual tradition, this concise yet comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the often-hidden dimensions of women's religious experience. Meyers' approach encourages a more inclusive understanding of how sacred practices have shaped communities throughout history.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~3 hours)
📄 Length: 105 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Critique, interprétation
- ✓ Explore Vie religieuse
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Jewish women
- ✓ Explore Biblical Sociology
- ✓ Explore Households in the Bible
- ✓ Explore Feminist criticism
