| Bibil Identifier |
bibil:210363 |
| Publication Type |
Journal article |
| Title (English, Long) |
Atonement Patterns in Biblical Narrative |
| Title (English, ) |
Rebellious Sons, Scapegoats and Boy Substitutes |
| Author |
Carden, Michael |
| Journal |
The Bible and Critical Theory (Volume: 5, Issue: 1) |
| Year (Publication) |
2009 |
| Year (Original (1st Edition)) |
2009 |
| Year (Copyright) |
2009 |
| Year (Reference) |
2009 |
| Language |
English |
| Pages |
1-15 Pages |
| Genre |
Original |
| Abstract |
The paper gives an overview of Atonement ritual patterns and symbolism before examining how Atonement elements are played out in certain biblical narratives. I survey a number of narratives from Genesis, Joshua, Judges and 1 Samuel before exploring the atonement patterns in the 2 Samuel story of the rebellion and death of Absalom. The Day of Atonement was not unique to the ‘Israelite’ Temple/s. While I believe ‘Israel’ had its own unique understanding of Atonement, ‘Israelite’ Temple symbolism, rituals and motifs are derived from and are part of a broader family of Middle Eastern Temple theologies and practice. Atonement is related to the New Year and world renewal, celebrating the divine overcoming of Chaos e.g Marduk vs Tiamat, El/Athirat vs Yam/Leviathan, Baal vs Yam & Mot, YHWH vs Yam/Leviathan(/Azazel?). Over 30 years ago, Rictor Norton identified a homo-erotic element in such mythologies and associated sacrificial rituals. My reading of Atonement patterns in the Absalom narrative highlights such homo-erotic possibilities. |
| DOI |
10.2104/bc090004
|
| Keywords |
Thesaurus BiBIL : Old Testament (Introduction) : Theology : Themes : Expiation |
| Pericopes |
Leviticus 16
2 Samuel 15-18 |
| Last modification |
2017-10-27 |
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