Tomlinson, Matt (Australian National University) – From Jesus to Jerry Falwell
From Jesus to Jerry Falwell: The Anthropology of Christianity
Anthropology 255, Spring 2005
Matt Tomlinson
Tuesdays, 6:30-9:25 PM
Riley House 206
mtomlins@bowdoin.edu
How is Christianity a cultural product? Has Christianity shaped different cultures to a global standard, or have different cultures shaped the religion in distinctively consequential ways? In this class, we take an anthropological approach to studying Christianity, reading ethnographic and historical accounts of congregations across different cultures. The main themes to be addressed include missionary encounters; millennialism and conflict; globalization and localization; ritual and performance; and the Bible and textuality.
Texts:
There are four books for purchase. Articles are available online at http://library.bowdoin.edu; all readings will be on reserve at the library and Riley House.
[The Holy Bible The Holy Bible The Holy Bible. You will need this as a resource for your readings, and also for class discussions.]
Boyer, Paul. 1992. Boyer, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief in Modern American Culture. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Belknap Press.
Harris, Max. 2003. Carnival and Other Christian Festivals. Austin: U. Texas Press.
Knauft, Bruce. 2002. Exchanging the Past: A Rainforest World of Before and After. Chicago: U. of Chicago Press.
Sanneh, Lamin. 2003. Whose Religion Is Christiani Sanneh ty?: The Gospel Beyond the West. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
Grading:
Grading will be done on the following basis:
- 35%: Final paper of 12-15 pages, due on the last day of class, on a question assigned on the first day of class
- 30%: Midterm paper or presentation on an assigned subject (March 8)
- 25%: Reading response paper
- 10%: Class participation
The scale is: 93-100=A; 90-92=A-; 88-89=B+; 83-87=B; 80-82=B-; 78-79=C+;73-77=C; 70-72=C-; 65-69=D; below 65=F
Policies:
Plagiarism in any assignment will result in automatic failure. Three points will be deducted from the final grade each day for late assignments and each absence beyond the second. The class participation grade is based not only on attendance, but also on being prepared and participating in class discussions.
Reading Schedule
JANUARY 25
Introduction to the Class
FEBRUARY 1
Christianity, Culture, Society
Robbins, “What Is a Christian?: Notes Toward an Anthropology of Christianity” Kierkegaard, “Prelude” and “A Panegyric upon Abraham” (from Fear and Trembling) Lewis, “The Rival Conceptions of God” and “The Invasion”
FEBRUARY 8
Missionary Encounters
Knauft, Exchanging the Past
FEBRUARY 15
Globalization/Localization
Sanneh, Whose Religion Is Christianity?
FEBRUARY 22
Globalization/Localization
Harris, Carnival
MARCH 1
The Bible and Textuality
Engelke, “Clarity and Charisma” Various authors, “John 1:1-18: A Latin American Perspective; An African Perspective; An Asian Perspective” and “Acts 2:1-42: A Latin American Perspective; An African Perspective; An Asian Perspective,” from Return to Babel
MARCH 8
Midterm presentations in class
MARCH 29
The Bible and Textuality
Brown and McDonald, “Foreword,” “Manner of Death: Accident,” “A Tongues-Talking, Serpent- Handling Holiness Woman,” “To Speak in Tongues,” and “Avoiding the Lake of Fire”
APRIL 5
Ritual and Risk
Tomlinson, “Ritual, Risk and Danger: Chain Prayers in Fiji”
Tomlinson, “The Limits of Meaning in Fijian Methodist Sermons”
APRIL 12
Chiliasm and Conflict
Boyer, When Time Shall Be No More
APRIL 19
The Devil
Manning, “The Salvation of a Drunk” Nash, “Devils, Witches, and Sudden Death”
APRIL 26
Alternative Expressions
Hardy, “Religion and Spiritual Beliefs” (pp. 114-128) and “Images of God and Prayer” (pp. 129- 153), from Loving Men
MAY 3
Guest Lecture
MAY 10
Class summary and discussion
Final papers are due today
