Sacred Languages and Sacred Texts

This is the first comprehensive study of the role of languages and texts in the Greco-Roman religions, including Judaism and Christianity. It explores bilingualism, language learning, literacy, book production and translation, as well as some of the more explicitly religious factors, including beliefs about language, missionary zeal, ritual, conservatism, and the power of priestly establishment. By looking for parallel developments and common factors operating throughout the Roman Empire, "Sacred Languages and Sacred Texts sheds new light on the role of the power of words, spoken and written, in religion. ? First comprehensive study of the role of languages and texts in Greco-Roman religionsRead less