Title
Drudgery Divine: On the Comparison of Early Christianities and the Religions of Late Antiquity (Chicago Studies in the History o,Used
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In this major theoretical and methodological statement on the history of religions, Jonathan Z. Smith shows how convert apologetic agendas can dictate the course of comparative religious studies. As his example, Smith reviews four centuries of scholarship comparing early Christianities with religions of late Antiquity (especially the socalled mystery cults) and shows how this scholarship has been based upon an underlying ProtestantCatholic polemic. The result is a devastating critique of traditional New Testament scholarship, a redescription of early Christianities as religious traditions amenable to comparison, and a milestone in Smith's controversial approach to comparative religious studies.'An important book, and certainly one of the most significant in the career of Jonathan Z. Smith, whom one may venture to call the greatest pathologist in the history of religions. As in many precedent cases, Smith follows a standard procedure: he carefully selects his victim, and then dissects with artistic finesse and unequaled acumen. The operation is always necessary, and a deconstructor of Smith's caliber is hard to find.'Ioan P. Coulianu, Journal of Religion
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Drudgery Divine'? A: 'Drudgery Divine' focuses on the comparative study of early Christianities and late Antiquity religions, critiquing how Protestant-Catholic polemics shape scholarly interpretations.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The book is authored by Jonathan Z. Smith, a prominent figure in the study of comparative religions.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'Drudgery Divine'? A: 'Drudgery Divine' was published on September 18, 1990.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 160 pages.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is listed in 'Good' condition.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: 'Drudgery Divine' is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: The book is categorized under 'History'.
- Q: Is there any special edition of 'Drudgery Divine'? A: The book does not have a specified edition.
- Q: What kind of insights does Jonathan Z. Smith provide in this book? A: Smith offers a critical analysis of traditional New Testament scholarship and redefines early Christianities as comparable religious traditions.
- Q: Are there any reviews or critical responses to 'Drudgery Divine'? A: Yes, Ioan P. Coulianu from the Journal of Religion praised the book, describing Smith as a significant pathologist in the study of religions.