Virtuosity, Charisma and Social Order: A Comparative Sociological Study of Monasticism in Theravada Buddhism and Medieval Catholicism (Cambridge Cultural Social Studies) - Hardcover

Silber, Ilana Friedrich

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521413974 ISBN 13: 9780521413978

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1995

Synopsis

This is a comparative study of the interaction between monasticism and society in Theravada Buddhism and medieval Catholicism. Building on Weber's classical analysis of religious virtuosity on one hand, and opposing recent comparative historical sociology's neglect of structures of meaning on the other, the author demonstrates the combined impact of religious orientations, macrosocietal structures, and virtuoso radicalism in shaping the ideological power of religious elites in the historical framework of the Great Traditions.

About this title

Book Description:

This book is a comparative macrosociological study of the interaction between religious virtuosi and society in two civilizations: traditional Theravada Buddhism and Medieval Catholicism. Merging Weberian sociology with the Maussian tradition of gift-analysis, and criticizing the neglect of meaning in current comparative historical sociology, the author also argues the need for a multidimensional approach capable of addressing the part played by religious orientations in shaping the institutional strength and ideological power of religious elites in the historical framework of the Great Traditions.

Review:

"...a learned analysis....Silber's book should quickly become a classic in comparative religious research and deserves a place on the syllabus of any graduate course in the field." Sociology of Religion

"...Silber's account is largely convincing, and her intention can only be applauded. The book will be essential reading for those interested in Weberian scholarship, especially for its conceptualization of religious virtuosity and its treatment of the "worldly facets of otherworldly religious orientations." For specialists in medieval Christianity and Theravada Buddhism the book offers an insightful and provocative interpretation of the literature. Moreover, sociologists of culture will find a stimulating empirical exploration of the issues involved in the relation between culture and structure." American Journal of Sociology

"...Silber's analysis of the material raises new theoretical questions and suggests some cogent answers. ...well-worth attending to. An important contribution to comparative historical sociology." Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0521413974
• ISBN 13: 9780521413978
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 264