First published in 1995. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 1995. Striking a niche among an intensely studied literary civilization, this title assesses the meaning of wine and wine offering in the context of Egyptian religion by presenting observations about the implication of this study for the study of Egyptian religion in general. Ancient Egypt has yielded the outlines of its religious, political, economic, and social institutions. Yet, we know relatively little of the actual process through which an object of daily life, such as wine, was integrated into the religious system. Scholars have studied various ritual offerings in Egyptian religion and clarified the religious significance of the offering objects. This title aims to fill a gap in knowledge in a similar fashion.

After the Warring States, treated in Part One of this set, there is no more fecund era in Chinese religious and cultural history than the period of division (220-589 AD). During it, Buddhism conquered China, Daoism grew into a mature religion with independent institutions, and, together with Confucianism, these three teachings, having each won its share of state recognition and support, formed a united front against shamanism. While all four religions are covered, Buddhism and Daoism receive special attention in a series of parallel chapters on their pantheons, rituals, sacred geography, community organization, canon formation, impact on literature, and recent archaeological discoveries. This multi-disciplinary approach, without ignoring philosophical and theological issues, brings into sharp focus the social and historical matrices of Chinese religion.

What did ghosts look like, what did they do, and what can they tell us about Chinese culture and society?

In this book the author contends that communal holiness is the central theme of the vine metaphor in John 15:1-17. Illumination of the Johannine vine metaphor is illustrated by drawing on background information on the vine and its metaphorical usage in the Ancient Near East, Old Testament, and Second Temple Period and to suggest understanding in light of the communal holiness of the covenant people of God. Comparing the themes of holiness and corporateness pertinent to the covenant the book also reflects the covenant with Israel in relation to John’s understanding of the people of God. The notion of covenant, which embraces reference to the people of God as vine/vineyard in the Old Testament and Second Temple Period, underlies John’s vine metaphor. The book focuses research on ANE viticulture to determine the context(s) of when the vine was used to refer to Israel in a covenant relationship with God. In this historical context the Johannine vine metaphor receive fresh meaning and relevance for the people of God.

Presents a history of the effect of alcohol in world history and argues that the production, trade, consumption, and regulation of alcohol has shaped virtually every civilization.