Mother Worship: Theme And Variations (Studies In Religion)

Mother Worship: Theme and Variations (Studies in Religion)

The authors identify the general symbol of the "Mother Goddess" as a common sanctified image, and they demonstrate some of the cultural variations in form or function of the symbol in specific sociocultural settings. Although the subject is approached from a wide variety of perspectives, the authors concur that female deities are not mere projections of sociocultural conditions on an ideological screen; divine mother images represent something of the nurturant and sometimes destructive dimension of the cosmic order.Originally published in 1983.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.Review"An absorbing topic in contemporary religion study. . . . Preston and his colleagues have moved investigations of goddess worship toward levels of greater maturity."--"Choice""Preston presents new material on, and new interpretations of, a subject of perpetual interest."--Barbara Myerhoff, University of Southern California"Reveal[s] the tremendous variety of religious forms to be found. . . . Its usefulness will by no means be limited to the religious forms or geographical areas mentioned."--"Library Journal"