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A History of Religion in 5½ Objects: Bringing the Spiritual to Its Senses
A leading scholar explores 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 5½ Objects, exploring the stuff of everyday existence is a window into the way humans have formed religious communities, performed rituals, and connected with the realm of the sacred. Beginning with the desirous, incomplete, human body (symbolically evoked by “½”), Plate tells the stories of five types of ordinary objects, each corresponding to a particular sense, that people have engaged with in sensory, symbolic, and sacred ways: stones, incense, drums, crosses, and bread. These objects have been used in religious ceremonies throughout history and across the world. As Plate looks at each of these objects, drawing on insights from poets as well as philosophers, modern artists as well as anthropologists, jazz as well as literature, he traces the history of the world’s religions and finds remarkable similarities and recurring themes throughout the millennia.
A History of Religion in 5½ 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.
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 5½ Objects, exploring the stuff of everyday existence is a window into the way humans have formed religious communities, performed rituals, and connected with the realm of the sacred. Beginning with the desirous, incomplete, human body (symbolically evoked by “½”), Plate tells the stories of five types of ordinary objects, each corresponding to a particular sense, that people have engaged with in sensory, symbolic, and sacred ways: stones, incense, drums, crosses, and bread. These objects have been used in religious ceremonies throughout history and across the world. As Plate looks at each of these objects, drawing on insights from poets as well as philosophers, modern artists as well as anthropologists, jazz as well as literature, he traces the history of the world’s religions and finds remarkable similarities and recurring themes throughout the millennia.
A History of Religion in 5½ 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.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2014
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665 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 7, 2021
This is a great introduction to the world of religious material culture. If, like me, you grew up in the world of Protestant interiority – where religion meant believing the right doctrines and thinking and feeling the right things with little to no emphasis on communal or material practices – then the idea of everyday objects being considered sacred, or at least potentially sacred, is if not a new concept, at least a new one to take seriously on its own merits, and not as an example of "idolatry" or "fetishism" or "Catholicism."
Plate writes in an engaging, entertaining way about his five objects (plus a half), showing how they have recurred as objects of importance in religions across the globe for thousands of years. He seems to focus more on the Judeo-Christian tradition than others, which is unfortunate, and he jumps around to a distracting degree, so it's hard to pull out any kind of a continuous thread from the various examples and allusions he makes. But even so, anyone reading this book will learn a lot about the various religious traditions and the objects on which they place so much value.
Plate writes in an engaging, entertaining way about his five objects (plus a half), showing how they have recurred as objects of importance in religions across the globe for thousands of years. He seems to focus more on the Judeo-Christian tradition than others, which is unfortunate, and he jumps around to a distracting degree, so it's hard to pull out any kind of a continuous thread from the various examples and allusions he makes. But even so, anyone reading this book will learn a lot about the various religious traditions and the objects on which they place so much value.
September 15, 2017
When I say this book is "enchanting" I mean it with the full force of that word. Plate is taking five-plus pieces of the everyday world and casting a particular spell with them, showing them to have a particular relationship to the religious. While there are places where I wished there was more-- more reference for my academic nature, more work on race or other social locations, more specificity around differences rather than quick moves toward similarities-- this is not the book's aim. It sets out to think through objects in our world as a way to tell the history of religion and does exactly what it promises.
May 30, 2015
This book committed all manner of academic faux pas, which is unfortunate because it is attempting to be academic faire. However, if you're a person with a spiritual side interested in tapping into the wisdom of many and diverse traditions, this book is well thoughtful and relatively well researched. Enjoy!
April 30, 2020
The title and premise are incredibly enticing to a reader interested in history, religion, and material culture; however, the organization of ideas and execution of the overall concept come up short in Plate's book.
Rather than a focused, cohesive thesis in each "object" chapter, the absolute abundance of examples overwhelmed the argument to the point of obscuration and often lacked in critical analysis. I found the historical and cultural examples fascinating at first, but then quickly became encumbered by them. The transitions between disparate examples were often sparse, and if existent, they often felt unawkward and reaching. This was most prominently displayed in the repetitive use of etymology which attempted to link words to their lightly similar Latin roots and jumping starkly across cultural and temporal boundaries. It is quite important for scholars such as Plate who do comparative work to draw these parallels across time and continents, but in excess and without equal parts of analysis, the argument and purpose in this book became muddied. The writing came off more as an undergraduate term paper rather than a published work.
However, on a positive note, there were some lovely moments of artful analysis and intriguing historical origins. As for the analyses, the best of Plate's writing was found in the use of sound in various modalities of religious experience within the Drums chapter. This chapter was hands-down my favorite out of all 5 1/2. The scale was tipped more heavily with analysis over endless examples, which likely played a significant factor in my interest. As for the most interesting history lessons, the Bread chapter earned the gold medal. I expected a chapter entrenched in transubstantiation and challah, but I was delightfully surprised to learn of the radically religious origins of the Graham cracker and many major cereal companies. Although I found some of the musings unrelated to the overall argument of the chapter, I was nonetheless entertained with this fresh knowledge.
Rather than a focused, cohesive thesis in each "object" chapter, the absolute abundance of examples overwhelmed the argument to the point of obscuration and often lacked in critical analysis. I found the historical and cultural examples fascinating at first, but then quickly became encumbered by them. The transitions between disparate examples were often sparse, and if existent, they often felt unawkward and reaching. This was most prominently displayed in the repetitive use of etymology which attempted to link words to their lightly similar Latin roots and jumping starkly across cultural and temporal boundaries. It is quite important for scholars such as Plate who do comparative work to draw these parallels across time and continents, but in excess and without equal parts of analysis, the argument and purpose in this book became muddied. The writing came off more as an undergraduate term paper rather than a published work.
However, on a positive note, there were some lovely moments of artful analysis and intriguing historical origins. As for the analyses, the best of Plate's writing was found in the use of sound in various modalities of religious experience within the Drums chapter. This chapter was hands-down my favorite out of all 5 1/2. The scale was tipped more heavily with analysis over endless examples, which likely played a significant factor in my interest. As for the most interesting history lessons, the Bread chapter earned the gold medal. I expected a chapter entrenched in transubstantiation and challah, but I was delightfully surprised to learn of the radically religious origins of the Graham cracker and many major cereal companies. Although I found some of the musings unrelated to the overall argument of the chapter, I was nonetheless entertained with this fresh knowledge.
June 21, 2021
This book would be a delight for those who play Trivial Pursuit. Plate's work is virtually exploding with small data on a wide variety of elements related to the spiritual. Much like trying to drink from a fire hose, the volume of information is overwhelming. The author is an exceptional researcher.
It would seem Plate is attempting to bring the reader into a tactile spirituality. Each of the extensive chapters cover how an object has been almost universally experienced as a connection to the mystic or ethereal. He does a solid job of explaining how, across a multitude of religious traditions, one can find common connection with things like rocks or bread.
However, the writing is a bit turgid and I often found myself a bit mind numbed by the unceasing level of small points being made. I hate to use the word boring, but it was that at several points.
That said, the last 30 pages were magnificent. Plate unfolds his passion for the connection of the human psyche in the spiritual and his hopes for lasting relational experiences amid the common elements.
It would seem Plate is attempting to bring the reader into a tactile spirituality. Each of the extensive chapters cover how an object has been almost universally experienced as a connection to the mystic or ethereal. He does a solid job of explaining how, across a multitude of religious traditions, one can find common connection with things like rocks or bread.
However, the writing is a bit turgid and I often found myself a bit mind numbed by the unceasing level of small points being made. I hate to use the word boring, but it was that at several points.
That said, the last 30 pages were magnificent. Plate unfolds his passion for the connection of the human psyche in the spiritual and his hopes for lasting relational experiences amid the common elements.
June 9, 2022
(LibraryThing Early Reviewers February 2015)
Detailing objects throughout history that hold significance in ritual ceremonies such as bread, drums, incense, and other things.
There is a comparison being done here between several religious doctrines. Some people who are looking for an academic book with limited bias might enjoy but those who are looking for affirmation of their religion being "better" or "right" will not find it in this book.
A short reference NF that may be useful for those who are interested in learning about sacred objects that complete rituals but aren't teaching.
**All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Detailing objects throughout history that hold significance in ritual ceremonies such as bread, drums, incense, and other things.
There is a comparison being done here between several religious doctrines. Some people who are looking for an academic book with limited bias might enjoy but those who are looking for affirmation of their religion being "better" or "right" will not find it in this book.
A short reference NF that may be useful for those who are interested in learning about sacred objects that complete rituals but aren't teaching.
**All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
September 8, 2020
reading this for a religion class in college. there were too many examples and did not love how it was organized. feels like a lot of filler was put in here. also i was very bored.
Read
February 13, 2021Read for The Arts & The Human Spirit for Winter 2021.
Want to read
October 12, 2024Writing is dense, but interesting. Will come back to this at a later time. Got to page 82.
did-not-finish
May 18, 2025dnf, don't think i'm gonna need it for my exam
November 17, 2014
What a wonderful read. Academic without losing the spiritual intent of the focus. I think a lot can be gained from this book, no matter what one's religious aptitude or attitude may be. Plate seeks to explore the basic roots of spirituality through substances and symbols that permeate ceremony and ritual of worldwide worship. The introduction does a lot to relay the nature of Plate's exploration. The idea of 1/2 in the spiritual self is presented as it's own symbol, and is a notion I found very appealing. Plate suggests that humans fill the other 1/2 of self from the outside world in a variety of ways: relationships, objects, experiences, etc- religion being only one aspect of filling this void felt by people. Religion is presented as a lens and filter to which these fillings can be perceived and enhanced, as well. Stone, Incense, Drum, the Cross and Bread, are each given their own chapter, being the 5 objects Brent chose to focus on- or should I say focus his notions with. Throughout the book, the author uses many quotations from a variety of spiritualists throughout the ages and around the world. The reader can sense Brent's own spiritual journey by way of his affiliation and affection with these quotations and objects. In no way does Brent say what is right and what is wrong- just what has been, what he has sensed and what has worked. I think one of the greatest aspects of this book is how Plate puts all religion on a similar plane and showcases the similarities and congruity of all religions, rather than placate to the nuisances that make worship different, as so many theologists seem to do. His conclusion, titled, Soul, wraps up the read with the same sense of self that the reader began reading with- while reminding the reader of what they learned as they explored with the author. A very insightful read. Great for the heart and head and soul.
I should note that I received this book via a Goodreads Giveaway and was very to be given a chance to review it. Many thanks to Beacon Hill Press.
I should note that I received this book via a Goodreads Giveaway and was very to be given a chance to review it. Many thanks to Beacon Hill Press.
June 14, 2014
An interesting approach to consider the question "what is religion?" that is an easy read.
Plate's attempt to universalize the materiality of religion is perhaps too general to really satisfy scholars of the specific traditions he discusses, but the book does offer a lot of discussion and reflection fodder for the intro-level classes. I found quite a few erroneous or oversimplified statements, and was mildly irritated by them, but not enough to deem this book unhelpful for teaching.
I had a feeling of Frazer, Tyler, Eliade, and Smart as I read this book - a lot of "Hey, here's a bunch of cool things!" without a lot of cultural or historical context and a lot of "Religions are so alike!" In fact, I think the Plate' case for the materiality of religion would have been stronger is he had focused in greater detail on only 1-2 cases for each of the 5 1/2 objects. I found myself needing to look up places, rituals etc. in order to understand the argument.
This book, despite my complaints, would make a useful paring for an intro class with something like Kessler's "Studying Religion."
Of note, but not of importance to the thesis of the book: On pp. 91-92 Plate refers to "The Tale of the Genji" as the world's first novel. It dates to the 11th century CE. Several ancient Greco-Roman novels date to the 1st-3rd centuries CE. I as I am a specialist of Roman Things (Religions in the Roman Empire & Roman History), Plate's erroneous statement really chapped my hide.
In fact, "The Golden Ass" by Apuleius is one of my favorite books. It's the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety, and it was written 800 years before "The Tale of the Genji."
Yes, I just used a review of a non-fiction book to advertise my favorite ancient novel. #geek
Plate's attempt to universalize the materiality of religion is perhaps too general to really satisfy scholars of the specific traditions he discusses, but the book does offer a lot of discussion and reflection fodder for the intro-level classes. I found quite a few erroneous or oversimplified statements, and was mildly irritated by them, but not enough to deem this book unhelpful for teaching.
I had a feeling of Frazer, Tyler, Eliade, and Smart as I read this book - a lot of "Hey, here's a bunch of cool things!" without a lot of cultural or historical context and a lot of "Religions are so alike!" In fact, I think the Plate' case for the materiality of religion would have been stronger is he had focused in greater detail on only 1-2 cases for each of the 5 1/2 objects. I found myself needing to look up places, rituals etc. in order to understand the argument.
This book, despite my complaints, would make a useful paring for an intro class with something like Kessler's "Studying Religion."
Of note, but not of importance to the thesis of the book: On pp. 91-92 Plate refers to "The Tale of the Genji" as the world's first novel. It dates to the 11th century CE. Several ancient Greco-Roman novels date to the 1st-3rd centuries CE. I as I am a specialist of Roman Things (Religions in the Roman Empire & Roman History), Plate's erroneous statement really chapped my hide.
In fact, "The Golden Ass" by Apuleius is one of my favorite books. It's the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety, and it was written 800 years before "The Tale of the Genji."
Yes, I just used a review of a non-fiction book to advertise my favorite ancient novel. #geek
October 31, 2016
Note to start: I won this through First Reads. Thanks Beacon Press. On with the review.
S. Brent Plate's book about objects and religion is more like one long overview of a topic broken up into many anecdotes relating to each object. For what it is and trying to do, it's fine. This isn't exactly a comprehensive look at religion and religious experience nor is it trying to be those things. However, because there is so much information and human history crammed into the just over 200 pages of actual reading, it gets to be a bit of a workout to read. Plate's writing flows from one anecdote to the next in a similar way to the transient nature of the each object's existence in history. Sometimes A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects is more philosophical than concrete. Other times the book seems to follow the whims of the writer, though there is an obvious logical progression and connection as each object can be tied to a human sensory experience. What it does well is give you a sense of why people have connected to objects while staying neutral toward religion and not favoring one religion over another. In the end, tough, I found I wanted a bit more of an answer to what the author was trying to do, something he readily admits in the end isn't willing or necessarily able to do. Good as an overview, but not if you're looking for depth.
S. Brent Plate's book about objects and religion is more like one long overview of a topic broken up into many anecdotes relating to each object. For what it is and trying to do, it's fine. This isn't exactly a comprehensive look at religion and religious experience nor is it trying to be those things. However, because there is so much information and human history crammed into the just over 200 pages of actual reading, it gets to be a bit of a workout to read. Plate's writing flows from one anecdote to the next in a similar way to the transient nature of the each object's existence in history. Sometimes A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects is more philosophical than concrete. Other times the book seems to follow the whims of the writer, though there is an obvious logical progression and connection as each object can be tied to a human sensory experience. What it does well is give you a sense of why people have connected to objects while staying neutral toward religion and not favoring one religion over another. In the end, tough, I found I wanted a bit more of an answer to what the author was trying to do, something he readily admits in the end isn't willing or necessarily able to do. Good as an overview, but not if you're looking for depth.
April 26, 2014
Thank you Beacon Press for the free book which I won on the Goodreads give-aways. I am donating the book to a bookmobile which gives away books, "Books for the People".
I enjoyed reading this book because I have an affinity for all of the objects discussed in S. Brent Plate's book. Now I know why, and why these items connect me to the spiritual force.
It is not just connecting to the force, but also participating in the force that completes the self.
There is a lot of information to ponder over, which I enjoyed chewing over. This book has made me look at religion in a different light.
I enjoyed reading this book because I have an affinity for all of the objects discussed in S. Brent Plate's book. Now I know why, and why these items connect me to the spiritual force.
It is not just connecting to the force, but also participating in the force that completes the self.
There is a lot of information to ponder over, which I enjoyed chewing over. This book has made me look at religion in a different light.
May 22, 2015
There was a lot of information and interesting historical information The book did not read smoothly. There were sections of informative clearly written, sometimes the question why is this information included here. The transition from academic writing to writing for the general audience was awkward.
As a history teacher the resources in this book are excellent, the writing style appeared confused/transitional, making it a project for me to read through.
As a history teacher the resources in this book are excellent, the writing style appeared confused/transitional, making it a project for me to read through.
June 4, 2015
This is an interesting combination of religious history and the use of objects in the course of that history. Plate analyzes the use of bread, the cross, drums, incense, stones and the soul in religious practice over the centuries and attempts to find origins of their use. It is a clever idea and another way to look at religious rituals using symbols to connect with spiritual aspects of belief. This is a nice addition to any theological library.
February 7, 2016
A religion professor looks at a variety of religious traditions -- Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, etc. -- through their use several objects: stones, incense, drums, crosses, and bread. His ideas are fascinating to a former Religion major like me, thought provoking, wide ranging, and perhaps a little meandering. For anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the religious impulse and its investment in objects in the world.
May 8, 2014
I just couldn't get into this one. His voice was condescending and he kept referring to religious organizations incorrectly (e.g., the Catholic Church as the Roman Catholic Church). It drove me crazy. I liked his thesis, though, that religious experience isn't only experienced through our eyes, but all of our senses.
November 28, 2014
This is a marvelous book. It made me think and wonder. There is such a great scope of history across so many world religions that I can see and feel and hear and taste our similarities and our differences. This wasn't a quick read for me. I had to take it in in short bites and savor all the flavors. Would recommend to anyone interested in religion and also open-minded.
November 10, 2015
This was a LibraryThing giveaway. It was an interesting read with its backgounds on stone, incense, bread, drums, and crosses with their histories in various religions and while I learned from this book it was one easily put down. Nor did it keep me awake at night in need of knowing what the next page held in store.
February 28, 2015
I received this book from Beaconpress when I won a Goodreads giveaway. This was laid out very nicely. I truly enjoyed reading the authors perspective and the history behind the objects. Even if you aren't heavy into religion it's still nice to pick this book up with an open mind and read about what these items are all about and what they represent for the religions.
March 18, 2016
Honestly A History Of Religion was not anythung that I expected it to be. Though Plate did a good job of threading multiple religions together with his five and a half objects, I lost his meaning with in the chapters. His introduction and conclusion were enticing and beautifuly put together, however the meat of the book lost its way.
April 25, 2015
Religion need not be only an interior exercise, rather it directly involves the senses. I enjoyed reading this somewhat academic approach to religion and the senses. Using objects - stones, bread, drums - the author relates how religion and the metaphors using the senses are religion. Our senses bind us as does religion. Good historical read.
August 1, 2017
This book was infuriatingly general, especially when it would at times mention interesting phenomena. Okay for your armchair dad, not so okay for scholars.
March 18, 2015
This book was for a class I took. Well-written and interesting.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews