The Reformation of Ritual: An Interpretation of Early Modern Germany (Christianity and Society in the Modern World)

Susan Karant-Nunn

ISBN 10: 0415443938 / ISBN 13: 9780415443937

Published by Routledge 2007-04-16, 2007

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9780415443937

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Reformation of Ritual: An Interpretation of Early Modern Germany (Christianity and Society in the Modern World)
• Publisher: Routledge 2007-04-16
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415443938
• ISBN 13: 9780415443937
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

In The Reformation of Ritual Susan Karant-Nunn explores the function of ritual in early modern German society, and the extent to which it was modified by the Reformation. Employing anthropological insights, and drawing on extensive archival research, Susan Karant-Nunn outlines the significance of the ceremonial changes. This comprehensive study includes an examination of all major rites of passage: birth, baptism, confirmation, engagement, marriage, the churching of women after childbirth, penance, the Eucharist, and dying. The author argues that the changes in ritual made over the course of the century reflect more than theological shifts; ritual was a means of imposing discipline and of making the divine more or less accessible. Church and state cooperated in using ritual as one means of gaining control of the populace.

About the Author

Susan Karant-Nunn