About the book
This innovative work documents the literary gesture that \"fetishizes tradition,\" making long-standing religious traditions appear present and available through the reading experience. Taking as examples Paul's Letter to the Romans, the Gospel of Mark, the Sūtra on the Land of Bliss (Sukhāvatīvyūha), and the Platform Sūtra of the Sixth Patriarch (Liuzu tanjing), Alan Cole shows how these texts invite readers into the fantasy that they can leave behind tradition's established rites, rituals, sacrifices, institutions, and festivals in order to take up just the text and its narrative as the key to salvation. Ironically, then, one's salvation is determined by how one receives the (new) message of salvation. Crucial to making these more virtual forms of tradition appear plausible is the reconstruction of tradition's \"truth-fathers\"—God or the Buddha, as the case may be—so that they appear to endorse the legitimacy of these new ways of being traditional. Relying on a wide body of critical theory, this book presents an intriguing way to rethink key elements in Christian and Buddhist thought.
Editions of Fetishizing Tradition
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438457451
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438457444
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438457468
Read an Excerpt
This innovative work documents the literary gesture that \"fetishizes tradition,\" making long-standing religious traditions appear present and available through the reading experience. Taking as examples Paul's Letter to the Romans, the Gospel of Mark, the Sūtra on the Land of Bliss (Sukhāvatīvyūha), and the Platform Sūtra of the Sixth Patriarch (Liuzu tanjing), Alan Cole shows how these texts invite readers into the fantasy that they can leave behind tradition's established rites, rituals, sacrifices, institutions, and festivals in order to take up just the text and its narrative as the key to salvation. Ironically, then, one's salvation is determined by how one receives the (new) message of salvation. Crucial to making these more virtual forms of tradition appear plausible is the reconstruction of tradition's \"truth-fathers\"—God or the Buddha, as the case may be—so that they appear to endorse the legitimacy of these new ways of being traditional. Relying on a wide body of critical theory, this book presents an intriguing way to rethink key elements in Christian and Buddhist thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fetishizing Tradition about?
This innovative work documents the literary gesture that \"fetishizes tradition,\" making long-standing religious traditions appear present and available through the reading experience. Taking as examples Paul's Letter to the Romans, the Gospel of Mark, the Sūtra on the Land of Bliss (Sukhāvatīvyūha), and the Platform Sūtra of the Sixth Patriarch (Liuzu tanjing), Alan Cole shows how these texts invite readers into the fantasy that they can leave behind tradition's established rites, rituals, sacrifices, institutions, and festivals in order to take up just the text and its narrative as the key to salvation. Ironically, then, one's salvation is determined by how one receives the (new) message of salvation. Crucial to making these more virtual forms of tradition appear plausible is the reconstruction of tradition's \"truth-fathers\"—God or the Buddha, as the case may be—so that they appear to endorse the legitimacy of these new ways of being traditional. Relying on a wide body of critical theory, this book presents an intriguing way to rethink key elements in Christian and Buddhist thought.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Fetishizing Tradition?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Religion: general > Comparative religion
Where can I read a sample of Fetishizing Tradition?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438457451
How long is Fetishizing Tradition and how many pages does it have?
Fetishizing Tradition has 298 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Fetishizing Tradition?
Alan Cole
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Fetishizing Tradition is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438457451) and paperback(ISBN 9781438457444) and pdf(ISBN 9781438457468)
Where can I buy Fetishizing Tradition online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Fetishizing Tradition from below
Where can I buy Fetishizing Tradition?