Description: examines theoretical discourses on the specificity, origin, and function of ''religion'' in antiquity, broadly defined here as the period from the 6th century BCE to the 4th century CE.
Review Quotes:
Theorizing "Religion" in Antiquity is a formidable accomplishment, bringing together scholars from various disciplines, convincing them to reflect on their usage of concepts like "religion," and applying a self-critical perspective throughout. One critical remark, here hardly at the right place, is that I hope that "theorizing" ancient religion will come to involve more than the current definition-and-applicability-debate. For now, this volume models the type of conversations we should be having within the study of ancient religion(s)--and beyond. As such, it is highly recommended.
Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses
This volume raises a great many important and substantial questions regarding the nature of our evidence for 'religion', the character of our critical language, and the scope of divides in humanistic disciplines dedicated to the study of ancient religions. It is clear that we need to talk more to each other. We might as well start by listening carefully to what this insightful, irritating, intelligent and genuinely path-breaking and bridge-building volume has to say.
Greece & Rome