Leviticus as Literature (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780199244195)

This first full-scale account of Leviticus by a world renowned anthropologist presents the biblical work as a literary masterpiece. Seen in an anthropological perspective Leviticus has a mystical structure which plots the book into three parts corresponding to the three parts of the desert tabernacle, both corresponding to the parts of Mount Sinai. This completely new reading transforms the interpretation of the purity laws. The pig and other forbidden animals are not abhorrent, they command the same respect due to all God's creatures. Boldly challenging several traditions of Bible criticism, Mary Douglas claims that Leviticus is not the narrow doctrine of a crabbed professional priesthood but a powerful intellectual statement about a modern religion which emphasizes God's justice and compassion.

Author: Mary Douglas
ISBN-10: 0199244197
ISBN-13: 9780199244195
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 05/17/2001
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.78lbs
Size: 8.44h x 5.46w x 0.66d