Proclaiming Holy Scriptures

<p>This book provides a comprehensive study on the proclamation of Holy Scriptures as an enacted celebration as well as its function as a performance within sacralized theatrical spaces. Scripture is integral to religious life within Judaism Christianity and Islam and these traditions have venerated the reading of texts from an appointed place as a sacred act. Thus the study of how these readings are conducted illuminates some vitally important aspects of this widespread act of worship.</p><p>Contributing to an underexplored area of scholarship the book offers an overview of scripture reading in the three Abrahamic faiths and then focuses on where and how the “Word of God” is presented within the Christian tradition. It gathers and summarizes research on the origins of a defined place for the proclamation of holy writings giving a thorough architectural analysis and interpretation of the various uses and symbols related to these spaces over time. Finally the listener is considered with a phenomenological description of the place for reading and its hermeneutical interpretation.</p><p>The material in this book uncovers the contemporary impact of a rich history of publicly reading out scriptures. It will therefore be of great interest to scholars of liturgical theology religious studies and ritual studies.</p>