The Ancient Mysteries A Sourcebook of Sacred Texts
by Marvin W. Meyer
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Description
Zeus and the other gods of shining Olympus were in reality divine only by popular consent. Over the course of time Olympian luster diminished in favor of religious experiences more immediate to the concerns of people living in an increasingly cosmopolitan ancient world. These experiences were provided by the mysteries, religions that flourished particularly during the Hellenistic period and were secretly practiced by groups of adherents who decided, through personal choice, to be initiated show more into the profound realities of one deity or another. Unlike the official state religions, in which people were expected to make an outward show of allegiance to the local gods, the mysteries emphasized an inwardness and privacy of worship within a closed band of initiates. In this book, Marvin W. Meyer explores the sacrifices and prayers, the public celebrations and secret ceremonies, the theatrical performances and literary works, the gods and goddesses that were a part of the mystery religions of Greece in the seventh century B.C. to the Judaism and Christianity of the Roman world of the seventh century A.D. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
A valuable anthology of ancient texts describing the Mystery Religions (or Mystery Cults) -- the Greek and Roman religions that held secret initiations where members experienced trials, saw sacred dramas, re-evaluated life and death, and learned secrets of the cosmos. Part fraternal organization, part passion play/sacred drama, part pilgrimage, these religions have largely kept their secrets because worshipers were sworn to silence.
This book collects the contemporary texts that describe (or at least give clues) about the Mystery Religions of Isis, Demeter, Bacchus, Cybele, Mithras, and others -- and has an intriguing final chapter on how these religions influenced Judaism and Christianity. (You will never read the letters of Paul in show more the same way...)
A wonderful glimpse into one of the most interesting corners of Greco-Roman religion -- which was not all somber processions, Etruscan divinations, or animal sacrifices. A vividly human look at how religions create grandeur and meaning and an essential companion to any of the many fine scholarly studies of these ancient religions.
-Kushana show less
This book collects the contemporary texts that describe (or at least give clues) about the Mystery Religions of Isis, Demeter, Bacchus, Cybele, Mithras, and others -- and has an intriguing final chapter on how these religions influenced Judaism and Christianity. (You will never read the letters of Paul in show more the same way...)
A wonderful glimpse into one of the most interesting corners of Greco-Roman religion -- which was not all somber processions, Etruscan divinations, or animal sacrifices. A vividly human look at how religions create grandeur and meaning and an essential companion to any of the many fine scholarly studies of these ancient religions.
-Kushana show less
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Author Information
29+ Works 5,627 Members
Marvin Meyer is Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies and director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Chapman University, Orange, California.
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Ancient Mysteries A Sourcebook of Sacred Texts
- Original title
- The Ancient Mysteries A Sourcebook of Sacred Texts
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, History
- DDC/MDS
- 291.13 — Religion Other religions [Formerly: General Religious Topics] [formerly: Religious mythology, general classes of religion, interreligious relations and attitudes, social theology. Relocated to 201] Archetypal Mythology
- LCC
- BL610 .A59 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Religions. Mythology. Rationalism Religions. Mythology. Rationalism Worship. Cultus
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 422
- Popularity
- 73,503
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.67)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 3
- ASINs
- 1
