Stan Harstine, Ph.D. | Friends University (original) (raw)
Papers by Stan Harstine, Ph.D.
Religious studies review, Mar 1, 2024
Religious studies review, Mar 1, 2024
Religious studies review, Dec 1, 2023
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2014
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2008
The author of this volume correctly suggests in his postscript, "Many of the specialists in the f... more The author of this volume correctly suggests in his postscript, "Many of the specialists in the field of ancient Near Eastern studies have steadfastly eschewed the sort of synthesis that has been presented in this book," and for understandable reasons: it is difficult. Trying to introduce and assess what constitutes ancient Near Eastern thought (and the author includes in ancient Near Eastern: Canaan, Egypt, Hittite sometimes, and Mesopotamia) is a difficult task multiplied by trying to connect it with the Old Testament in a way that does not offend overly critical or confessional scholars. Despite the difficulty of the task, this volume is well worth the endeavor despite some of the complications. The book is divided into five main parts: Comparative Studies, Literature of the Ancient Near East, Religion, Cosmos, and People. The writer's style is inviting for students, because an effort is made to clarify concepts without overly simplifying them. This is done through summarizing some issues, such as the main goals of the comparative endeavor to bullet points, and the inclusion of sidebars entitled "comparative exploration." While the book is designed for students and nonspecialists, the attempt to synthesize the material in such a thorough fashion should intrigue scholars.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2017
and the individual. After outlining the scope and methodology of the volume in the introduction, ... more and the individual. After outlining the scope and methodology of the volume in the introduction, Scheid offers a very comprehensive presentation of the arguments presented by the adversaries of the polis-religion model in Chapter 1. The fallacy of the city-states' end with the coming of Rome is addressed in Chapter 2, whereas Chapter 3 discusses the place of the individual in the city-states. Chapter 4 fends off the position that civic religion was nothing but a discourse of the elite. In Chapter 5, Scheid supports the functionalist nature of the civic-religion model, which he further explores in relation to rituals in Chapter 6. Chapters 7 and 8 further demonstrate the civic nature of Roman religion by discussing occasions of impiety and oppression by the Roman political administration, as well as the different smaller scale religious activities that were also administered by a central power. Chapter 9 tackles the important issue of belief and emotion in Roman civic religion. Chapter 10 discusses the reasons for religious change in Rome-according to Scheid not based on the assumption of a different "religiosity" as the critics of the polis model maintain-whereas Chapter 11 summarizes his argumentation. Scheid's call to return to the sources is valuable and accurate considering the peculiarity of Roman religion; his erudition and ability to offer a clear and concise discussion makes the volume an indispensable source for anybody interested in Roman religion.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2016
For many years the cult of Iuppiter Dolichenus has been at the centre of Sanzi's research interes... more For many years the cult of Iuppiter Dolichenus has been at the centre of Sanzi's research interests. The present volume collects the results of his investigations in six chapters, two appendices, and a few pages of final observations. Rather than a systematic treatise, the book is actually a set of essays, some of which (4, 5, 6, and the two appendices) are new versions of already published articles. The volume opens with an overly long introduction (62 pages) on "Oriental cults" in Rome. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the iconography of the god and of the structure of the cult. The specific traits of Iupiter Optimus Maximus and those of the Iupiter from Doliche are described and compared in Chapter 2. Here and in the following section the relationship of the two gods with the imperial power (particularly the legitimizing and order-preserving function) are analyzed. Interesting observations are expressed on the gods worshipped together with Iupiter Dolichenus and on the nature of the salus asked of him (Chapters 5 and 6). The remaining parts deal with more restricted topics. A rich bibliography, accurate indices, and a table of concordances conclude this widely illustrated and yet affordable volume. The book was conceived for graduate students and this explains some of the author's structural choices. However, it would have benefitted from substantial cuts to avoid redundancies and digressions which add very little to the main subject (on the formula ex indulgentia, on some Dacian inscriptions, and on alphabetical inscriptions for the Dolichenus' cult).
Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2008
Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2012
BRILL eBooks, Jul 2, 2018
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2012
Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives ... more Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives of Hellenistic religious practices." Whether a clash with sorcerers at Samaria (Acts 8) or Paphos (Acts 13), pagan prophets at Philippi (Acts 16), or powerful brokers of the cult of Artemis at Ephesus (Acts 19), early Christian messengers required both familiarity with and necessary tools for confrontation with these varied beliefs and practices. Such narratives also echo countless pastoral warnings by Peter, John, and Paul concerning the former lives of believers who "had turned from idols to serve. .. God" (1 Thess. 1:9). Johnson exhibits disappointment with a long-standing scholarly tradition that gives minimal attention to the role of first century "pagan" religion or adheres to old and artificial structures that merely regionalize Judaism and Greco-Roman culture. To counter, Johnson identifies four pervasive religious domains. Seekers typically pursue salvation for personal benefits, moral transformation, transcendent experience, and/or societal stabilization. Each "type" shares various fundamental quests, yet interacts and competes with core dynamics of Christianity. This outstanding volume should become the standard for customary graduate/seminary courses on NT backgrounds. (Johnson includes over one hundred pages of footnotes filled with invaluable primary sources.) Finally, Johnson suggests proponents of contemporary Christian advancement require similar breadth for engagement of present-day religions; perhaps a more careful reading of the NT will encourage readers to better understand and wrestle with the complexities of our contemporary mosaic of global religions.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2012
Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives ... more Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives of Hellenistic religious practices." Whether a clash with sorcerers at Samaria (Acts 8) or Paphos (Acts 13), pagan prophets at Philippi (Acts 16), or powerful brokers of the cult of Artemis at Ephesus (Acts 19), early Christian messengers required both familiarity with and necessary tools for confrontation with these varied beliefs and practices. Such narratives also echo countless pastoral warnings by Peter, John, and Paul concerning the former lives of believers who "had turned from idols to serve. .. God" (1 Thess. 1:9). Johnson exhibits disappointment with a long-standing scholarly tradition that gives minimal attention to the role of first century "pagan" religion or adheres to old and artificial structures that merely regionalize Judaism and Greco-Roman culture. To counter, Johnson identifies four pervasive religious domains. Seekers typically pursue salvation for personal benefits, moral transformation, transcendent experience, and/or societal stabilization. Each "type" shares various fundamental quests, yet interacts and competes with core dynamics of Christianity. This outstanding volume should become the standard for customary graduate/seminary courses on NT backgrounds. (Johnson includes over one hundred pages of footnotes filled with invaluable primary sources.) Finally, Johnson suggests proponents of contemporary Christian advancement require similar breadth for engagement of present-day religions; perhaps a more careful reading of the NT will encourage readers to better understand and wrestle with the complexities of our contemporary mosaic of global religions.
Religious Studies Review, Jun 1, 2017
might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red... more might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red-figure vases, extensive bibliography, and index locorum, all of which follow the main text, are helpful additions.
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2013
Religious studies review, Dec 1, 2023
Religious Studies Review, Jun 1, 2017
might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red... more might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red-figure vases, extensive bibliography, and index locorum, all of which follow the main text, are helpful additions.
Religious Studies Review, Jun 1, 2019
Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2019
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2018
Spirit. Loader's attention to secondary literature and exegetical insights are impressive through... more Spirit. Loader's attention to secondary literature and exegetical insights are impressive throughout, though one wishes for more sustained engagement at times when he disagrees with others. Recommended for graduate students and scholars.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2017
Religious studies review, Mar 1, 2024
Religious studies review, Mar 1, 2024
Religious studies review, Dec 1, 2023
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2014
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2008
The author of this volume correctly suggests in his postscript, "Many of the specialists in the f... more The author of this volume correctly suggests in his postscript, "Many of the specialists in the field of ancient Near Eastern studies have steadfastly eschewed the sort of synthesis that has been presented in this book," and for understandable reasons: it is difficult. Trying to introduce and assess what constitutes ancient Near Eastern thought (and the author includes in ancient Near Eastern: Canaan, Egypt, Hittite sometimes, and Mesopotamia) is a difficult task multiplied by trying to connect it with the Old Testament in a way that does not offend overly critical or confessional scholars. Despite the difficulty of the task, this volume is well worth the endeavor despite some of the complications. The book is divided into five main parts: Comparative Studies, Literature of the Ancient Near East, Religion, Cosmos, and People. The writer's style is inviting for students, because an effort is made to clarify concepts without overly simplifying them. This is done through summarizing some issues, such as the main goals of the comparative endeavor to bullet points, and the inclusion of sidebars entitled "comparative exploration." While the book is designed for students and nonspecialists, the attempt to synthesize the material in such a thorough fashion should intrigue scholars.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2017
and the individual. After outlining the scope and methodology of the volume in the introduction, ... more and the individual. After outlining the scope and methodology of the volume in the introduction, Scheid offers a very comprehensive presentation of the arguments presented by the adversaries of the polis-religion model in Chapter 1. The fallacy of the city-states' end with the coming of Rome is addressed in Chapter 2, whereas Chapter 3 discusses the place of the individual in the city-states. Chapter 4 fends off the position that civic religion was nothing but a discourse of the elite. In Chapter 5, Scheid supports the functionalist nature of the civic-religion model, which he further explores in relation to rituals in Chapter 6. Chapters 7 and 8 further demonstrate the civic nature of Roman religion by discussing occasions of impiety and oppression by the Roman political administration, as well as the different smaller scale religious activities that were also administered by a central power. Chapter 9 tackles the important issue of belief and emotion in Roman civic religion. Chapter 10 discusses the reasons for religious change in Rome-according to Scheid not based on the assumption of a different "religiosity" as the critics of the polis model maintain-whereas Chapter 11 summarizes his argumentation. Scheid's call to return to the sources is valuable and accurate considering the peculiarity of Roman religion; his erudition and ability to offer a clear and concise discussion makes the volume an indispensable source for anybody interested in Roman religion.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2016
For many years the cult of Iuppiter Dolichenus has been at the centre of Sanzi's research interes... more For many years the cult of Iuppiter Dolichenus has been at the centre of Sanzi's research interests. The present volume collects the results of his investigations in six chapters, two appendices, and a few pages of final observations. Rather than a systematic treatise, the book is actually a set of essays, some of which (4, 5, 6, and the two appendices) are new versions of already published articles. The volume opens with an overly long introduction (62 pages) on "Oriental cults" in Rome. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the iconography of the god and of the structure of the cult. The specific traits of Iupiter Optimus Maximus and those of the Iupiter from Doliche are described and compared in Chapter 2. Here and in the following section the relationship of the two gods with the imperial power (particularly the legitimizing and order-preserving function) are analyzed. Interesting observations are expressed on the gods worshipped together with Iupiter Dolichenus and on the nature of the salus asked of him (Chapters 5 and 6). The remaining parts deal with more restricted topics. A rich bibliography, accurate indices, and a table of concordances conclude this widely illustrated and yet affordable volume. The book was conceived for graduate students and this explains some of the author's structural choices. However, it would have benefitted from substantial cuts to avoid redundancies and digressions which add very little to the main subject (on the formula ex indulgentia, on some Dacian inscriptions, and on alphabetical inscriptions for the Dolichenus' cult).
Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2008
Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2012
BRILL eBooks, Jul 2, 2018
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2012
Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives ... more Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives of Hellenistic religious practices." Whether a clash with sorcerers at Samaria (Acts 8) or Paphos (Acts 13), pagan prophets at Philippi (Acts 16), or powerful brokers of the cult of Artemis at Ephesus (Acts 19), early Christian messengers required both familiarity with and necessary tools for confrontation with these varied beliefs and practices. Such narratives also echo countless pastoral warnings by Peter, John, and Paul concerning the former lives of believers who "had turned from idols to serve. .. God" (1 Thess. 1:9). Johnson exhibits disappointment with a long-standing scholarly tradition that gives minimal attention to the role of first century "pagan" religion or adheres to old and artificial structures that merely regionalize Judaism and Greco-Roman culture. To counter, Johnson identifies four pervasive religious domains. Seekers typically pursue salvation for personal benefits, moral transformation, transcendent experience, and/or societal stabilization. Each "type" shares various fundamental quests, yet interacts and competes with core dynamics of Christianity. This outstanding volume should become the standard for customary graduate/seminary courses on NT backgrounds. (Johnson includes over one hundred pages of footnotes filled with invaluable primary sources.) Finally, Johnson suggests proponents of contemporary Christian advancement require similar breadth for engagement of present-day religions; perhaps a more careful reading of the NT will encourage readers to better understand and wrestle with the complexities of our contemporary mosaic of global religions.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2012
Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives ... more Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives of Hellenistic religious practices." Whether a clash with sorcerers at Samaria (Acts 8) or Paphos (Acts 13), pagan prophets at Philippi (Acts 16), or powerful brokers of the cult of Artemis at Ephesus (Acts 19), early Christian messengers required both familiarity with and necessary tools for confrontation with these varied beliefs and practices. Such narratives also echo countless pastoral warnings by Peter, John, and Paul concerning the former lives of believers who "had turned from idols to serve. .. God" (1 Thess. 1:9). Johnson exhibits disappointment with a long-standing scholarly tradition that gives minimal attention to the role of first century "pagan" religion or adheres to old and artificial structures that merely regionalize Judaism and Greco-Roman culture. To counter, Johnson identifies four pervasive religious domains. Seekers typically pursue salvation for personal benefits, moral transformation, transcendent experience, and/or societal stabilization. Each "type" shares various fundamental quests, yet interacts and competes with core dynamics of Christianity. This outstanding volume should become the standard for customary graduate/seminary courses on NT backgrounds. (Johnson includes over one hundred pages of footnotes filled with invaluable primary sources.) Finally, Johnson suggests proponents of contemporary Christian advancement require similar breadth for engagement of present-day religions; perhaps a more careful reading of the NT will encourage readers to better understand and wrestle with the complexities of our contemporary mosaic of global religions.
Religious Studies Review, Jun 1, 2017
might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red... more might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red-figure vases, extensive bibliography, and index locorum, all of which follow the main text, are helpful additions.
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2013
Religious studies review, Dec 1, 2023
Religious Studies Review, Jun 1, 2017
might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red... more might have implied over time. The twenty-three black and white illustrations, mainly Athenian red-figure vases, extensive bibliography, and index locorum, all of which follow the main text, are helpful additions.
Religious Studies Review, Jun 1, 2019
Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2019
Religious Studies Review, Sep 1, 2018
Spirit. Loader's attention to secondary literature and exegetical insights are impressive through... more Spirit. Loader's attention to secondary literature and exegetical insights are impressive throughout, though one wishes for more sustained engagement at times when he disagrees with others. Recommended for graduate students and scholars.
Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2017