This collection of essays contextualizes the history and current state of the social science method in the study of the Hebrew Bible. Part 1 traces the rise of social science criticism by reprinting classic essays on the topic; Part 2 provides “case studies,” examples of application of the methods to biblical studies.
Series Preface
Editors’ Preface
Abbreviations
‘Introduction’
Charles E. Carter - A Discipline in Transition: The Contributions of the Social Sciences to the Study of the Hebrew Bible
‘Part 1: Anthropologists, Sociologists, and the Biblical World’
Introduction
William Robertson Smith - Sacrifice: Preliminary Survey
Max Weber - Ancient Judaism
Antonin Causse - From an Ethnic Group to a Religious Community: The Sociological Problem of Judaism
Mary Douglas - The Abominations of Leviticus
Marvin Harris - The Abominable Pig
George E. Mendenhall - The Hebrew Conquest of Palestine
Norman K. Gottwald - Domain Assumptions and Societal Models in the Study of Pre-Monarchic Israel
Gary A. Anderson - Sacrifices and Offerings in Ancient Israel: An Introduction
Robert Oden - Historical Understanding and Understanding the Religion of Israel
Gary A. Herion - The Impact of Modern and Social Science Assumptions on the Reconstruction of Israelite History
Andrew D. H. Mayes - Idealism and Materialism in Weber and Gottwald
Niels Peter Lemche - On the Use of ‘System Theory,’ ‘Macro Theories,’ and ‘Evolutionistic Thinking’ in Modern Old Testament Research and Biblical Archaeology
‘Part 2: Case Studies - Israel and Its Institutions: Social Science Perspectives’
Introduction
Abraham Malamat - Charismatic Leadership in the Book of Judges
James W. Flanagan - Chiefs in Israel
Robert B. Coote and Keith W. Whitelam - The Emergence of Israel: Social Transformation and State Formation following the Decline in Late Bronze Age Trade
Israel Finkelstein - The Emergence of the Monarchy in Israel: The Environment and Socio-Economic Aspects
Robert R. Wilson - Prophecy and Ecstasy: A Reexamination
Thomas W. Overholt - Prophecy: The Problem of Cross-Cultural Comparison
Frank S. Frick - Religion and Sociopolitical Structure in Early Israel: An Ethno-Archaeological Approach
David C. Hopkins - Life on the Land: The Subsistence Struggles of Early Israel
Carol L. Meyers - Procreation, Production, and Protection: Male-Female Balance in Early Israel
Phyllis Bird - The Place of Women in the Israelite Cultus
Daniel L. Smith - The Politics of Ezra: Sociological Indicators of Postexilic Judaean Society
Indexes
Index of Authorities
Index of Scripture
