About the book
Archaeology began in an era when many people read ancient religious texts literally, believing that what was described on the page corresponded to a material reality that existed beneath the soil. With a shovel in one hand and a sacred text in the other, early archaeologists sought confirmation through concrete evidence. In the process, they opened themselves to the disturbing possibility that they would find nothing—or, perhaps even more unsettling, discover evidence that would challenge their cherished beliefs.
Using accounts of excavations in Italy, Egypt, Iraq, and Palestine, Kristofer B. Zimmitti explores the tensions between science and religion, faith and reason. As archaeology grew more popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, excavations from Herculaneum to Babylon and discoveries such as the Moabite Stone transformed the modern understanding of the ancient past for Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and Latter-day Saints. While some archaeological findings confirmed the truth of ancient texts, others threatened to overturn them. Rather than abandon or question their faith, many believers kept digging. When the dust of excavation had settled, today’s religious world had been forged.
Editions of Shadows and Solid Things
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469698168
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469698175
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469695891
- PDF
- ISBN 9781469698182
Read an Excerpt
Archaeology began in an era when many people read ancient religious texts literally, believing that what was described on the page corresponded to a material reality that existed beneath the soil. With a shovel in one hand and a sacred text in the other, early archaeologists sought confirmation through concrete evidence. In the process, they opened themselves to the disturbing possibility that they would find nothing—or, perhaps even more unsettling, discover evidence that would challenge their cherished beliefs.
Using accounts of excavations in Italy, Egypt, Iraq, and Palestine, Kristofer B. Zimmitti explores the tensions between science and religion, faith and reason. As archaeology grew more popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, excavations from Herculaneum to Babylon and discoveries such as the Moabite Stone transformed the modern understanding of the ancient past for Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and Latter-day Saints. While some archaeological findings confirmed the truth of ancient texts, others threatened to overturn them. Rather than abandon or question their faith, many believers kept digging. When the dust of excavation had settled, today’s religious world had been forged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shadows and Solid Things about?
Archaeology began in an era when many people read ancient religious texts literally, believing that what was described on the page corresponded to a material reality that existed beneath the soil. With a shovel in one hand and a sacred text in the other, early archaeologists sought confirmation through concrete evidence. In the process, they opened themselves to the disturbing possibility that they would find nothing—or, perhaps even more unsettling, discover evidence that would challenge their cherished beliefs.
Using accounts of excavations in Italy, Egypt, Iraq, and Palestine, Kristofer B. Zimmitti explores the tensions between science and religion, faith and reason. As archaeology grew more popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, excavations from Herculaneum to Babylon and discoveries such as the Moabite Stone transformed the modern understanding of the ancient past for Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and Latter-day Saints. While some archaeological findings confirmed the truth of ancient texts, others threatened to overturn them. Rather than abandon or question their faith, many believers kept digging. When the dust of excavation had settled, today’s religious world had been forged.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Shadows and Solid Things?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts
Where can I read a sample of Shadows and Solid Things?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469698168
How long is Shadows and Solid Things and how many pages does it have?
Shadows and Solid Things has 298 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Shadows and Solid Things?
Kristofer B. Zimmitti
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Shadows and Solid Things is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469698168) and paperback(ISBN 9781469698175) and ebook(ISBN 9781469695891) and pdf(ISBN 9781469698182)
Where can I buy Shadows and Solid Things online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Shadows and Solid Things from below
Where can I buy Shadows and Solid Things?