The Penguin Handbook of Ancient Religions

by John R. Hinnells

This overview of the religious customs of ancient cultures boasts an international selection of contributors, all of whom are leading scholars in their field. The cultural practices of popular as well as formal religion are explored in detail, giving an impression of all, not only elite societies. Every topic is placed in its own cultural context, while bearing in mind its relevance to a wider historical and sociological debate. The result is an erudite and thoroughly readable handbook to ancient religions, from Palaeolithic cave art to the rituals of Aztec and Inca civilizations.

Genres: Religion, History, Nonfiction

624 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Collin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good overview of the world’s most ancient religions. The only gripe I have is that the chapter on Ancient Israel is definitely on the liberal side, which is fair I guess since it is the current majority position in scholarship. The bigger offense is I felt like some of the more liberal positions were built on some pretty big assumptions. Here is one example from the book:

“In the book of Amos the Israelites are criticized because they offer sacrifices at Bethel and Gilgal but oppress the poor (Amos 4:1–5). The accusation that their sacrifices are insincere is a powerful one; but Amos could have brought a more powerful argument – that Moses had explicitly forbidden any sacrifices except at the single sanctuary (which was Jerusalem in Amos’ time). The reason why Amos did not use this argument is that he was not familiar with a law of a central sanctuary, not out of ignorance, but because no such law existed in his day (the second half of the eighth century BCE).”

This matter-of-factly stated line of reasoning seems to only hold up if one is willing to use quite a big argument from silence while also assuming that Amos (or the God of Amos) may not have simply been more concerned with the oppression of the poor than with the place of worship. The context of the passage also reads nothing like an endorsement of sacrifice in these places. I would say the main value in this particular chapter is in seeing the opinion of current critical scholarship on ancient Israel while also showing some of the weaknesses in its assumptions.

[Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book that invites us to travel throughout Antiquity and discover the architecture of the belief system that mankind has trodden.
It's a long journey, as old as the history of mankind itself, which surprises us when turning a page with parallels between religions where we least expect it.
The book is extensive and even so, it ends with the feeling that much remains to be revealed.

[Cooper Renner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read all of this collection of essays on the various religions of the ancient world--just the ones that appealed to me. It's a survey, to be sure, but an interesting one, covering a wide range of civilizations. One or more chapters ought then to appeal to almost anyone interested in comparative religion or the ancient world.

[Stanislav Sokolenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a little dry at times, the heavy academic lean of the book was much better than the sensationalism one often finds in this subject matter.

[Evander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read, and good reference for anyone wanting to learn about ancient religions. Even for the ones I'm well versed in (Greece, Rome, Egypt), I learned something new.

[Glen D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great source for comparative religion courses. Chapters written by highly knowledgable individuals.