Overview

This book is a meticulously researched and thought-provoking study that delves into the analysis and comparison of rituals in two distinct settings: the ancient Book of Leviticus and traditional Malagasy culture on the island of Madagascar. Author Olivier Randrianjaka invesigates why Malagasy Christians connect with Leviticus despite the apathy of the Western church. As this book demonstrates, the key unifying themes are sin, purification, and sacrifice. Profound parallels emerge between Levitical rituals (such as postpartum purification and the Day of Atonement) and Malagasy rituals (such as taboo violation, postpartum purification, and the New Year royal bath). The study highlights the universal relevance of sin, purification and sacrifice rituals, inviting reflection on their significance in diverse cultural and religious contexts. ""This is a remarkable book that represents a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate connections between Leviticus and Malagasy traditional rituals. The author’s meticulous analysis and profound insights into the themes of sin, sacrifice and atonement offer invaluable knowledge for Christian readers. I highly recommend this work to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Madagascar’s religion, particularly its rich tapestry of traditional rituals."" —Dr. Razivelo Mariette, Lutheran Faculty of Theology (SALT), Madagascar ""Rituals for purification play a significant role in most cultures, and this book contributes to the understanding of these phenomena in general. It provides insight into these rituals in Malagasy society and their description in the Book of Leviticus in the Bible. The book focuses on religious praxis, as described in texts and demonstrated in life. Every person will encounter these phenomena, and here is a tool to grasp their meaning."" —Magnar Kartveit, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway

Full Product Details

9781433194238

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is a remarkable book that represents a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate connections between Leviticus and Malagasy traditional rituals. The author’s meticulous analysis and profound insights into the themes of sin, sacrifice and atonement offer invaluable knowledge for Christian readers. I highly recommend this work to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Madagascar’s religion, particularly its rich tapestry of traditional rituals. Dr.Mariette Razivelo A thorough investigation of Levitical and Malagasy concepts of sin, purification, and sacrifice – from a leading biblical scholar in Madagascar: this is a study that ought to find readers not only in the fields of biblical studies and theology but also in religious studies and social anthropology. Professor (Prof.) Knut Holter

Author Information

Dr. Olivier Randrianjaka is an Associate Professor in Old Testament Studies at the Malagasy Lutheran Faculty of Theology (SALT) in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar. Currently serving as the Vice Dean of SALT, he earned a Ph.D. in Theology from VID Specialized University in Norway in 2020.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available