The Natural History of the Bible

Klappentext Traversing river valleys! steppes! deserts! rain-fed forests! farmlands! and seacoasts! the early Israelites experienced all the contrasting ecological domains of the ancient Near East. They interacted with indigenous societies of the region! absorbed selective elements of their cultures! and integrated them into a radically new culture of their own. More than just affecting their material existence! the region's ecology influenced the Israelites' views of creation and the creator! humanity's role on Earth! and their own distinctive identity and destiny. Combining his scientific work as an ecologist with a life-long study of the Bible! Daniel Hillel shows how the environmental experiences of the ancient Israelites shaped their perception of the overarching unity governing nature and led to the evolution of ethical monotheism. Zusammenfassung Daniel Hillel follows events in the Hebrew Bible to reveal the complex interplay between the ancient Israelites and their natural and cultural environments. More than just affecting their material existence! the diverse environmental character of the ancient Near East profoundly shaped the evolution of Jewish culture and beliefs and! ultimately! of Western civilization as a whole.

Product details

• Authors: Daniel Hillel, Hillel Daniel
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 07.01.2008
• EAN: 9780231133630
• ISBN: 978-0-231-13363-0
• No. of pages: 376
• Dimensions: 156 mm x 233 mm x 18 mm
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Nature: general, reference works; NATURE / General, RELIGION / Christianity / General, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / General, natural history, Christianity, Nature and the natural world: general interest, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, Biblical Studies & Exegesis