A history of religion in 5 1/2 objects : bringing the spiritual to its senses
(Book)

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Published
Boston : Beacon Press, 2014.
Format
Book
ISBN
9780807033111, 0807033111
Physical Desc
248 pages ; 23 cm
Status
Lawson McGhee Library - Books
203.7 PLAT
1 available

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LocationCall NumberStatus
Lawson McGhee Library - Books203.7 PLATOn Shelf

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Published
Boston : Beacon Press, 2014.
Language
English
ISBN
9780807033111, 0807033111

Notes

Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 226-237) and index.
Description
"A leading scholar brings religion to its senses by exploring the importance of physical objects and sensory experience in the practice of religion Humans are needy. We need things: objects, keepsakes, knickknacks, bits and pieces, junk and treasure. As Brent Plate argues in A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects, exploring the stuff of everyday existence is a fresh window into the way humans have formed religious communities, performed rituals, and connected with the realm of the sacred. Beginning with the human desire to connect (evoked by "1/2"), Plate tells the stories of five types of ordinary objects that people have engaged with in sensory, symbolic, and sacred ways: stones, crosses, incense, drums, and bread. These material objects, each of which strongly engages one of our five senses, have been used in religious ceremonies throughout human history and across the world. A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects shows us that basic, material connections stand at the heart of religious traditions, as humans quest for meaningful, fulfilling lives. As Plate looks at each of these objects, he traces the history of the world's religions and finds remarkable similarities and recurring themes throughout the millenia. We learn why incense is used by Hindus at a celebration of the goddess Durga in Banaras, by Muslims at a wedding ceremony in West Africa, and by Roman Catholics at a mass in upstate New York. And why stones, in the form of cairns, grave markers, and monuments, became connected with places of memory across the world. A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects moves our understanding of religion away from the current obsessions with God, fundamentalism, and science. Religion, Plate shows, has more to do with our bodies than with our beliefs"--,Provided by publisher.

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Citations

APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)

Plate, S. B. (2014). A history of religion in 5 1/2 objects: bringing the spiritual to its senses . Beacon Press.

Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Plate, S. Brent, 1966-. 2014. A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects: Bringing the Spiritual to Its Senses. Beacon Press.

Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Plate, S. Brent, 1966-. A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects: Bringing the Spiritual to Its Senses Beacon Press, 2014.

MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)

Plate, S. Brent. A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects: Bringing the Spiritual to Its Senses Beacon Press, 2014.

Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.

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