How Long to Read Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam

How Long Does it Take to Read Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 35 minutes to read Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam by Mary Thurlkill

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Medieval scholars and cultural historians have recently turned their attention to the question of “smells” and what olfactory sensations reveal about society in general and holiness in particular. Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam contributes to that conversation, explaining how early Christians and Muslims linked the “sweet smell of sanctity” with ideals of the body and sexuality; created boundaries and sacred space; and imagined their emerging communal identity. Most importantly, scent—itself transgressive and difficult to control—signaled transition and transformation between categories of meaning. Christian and Islamic authors distinguished their own fragrant ethical and theological ideals against the stench of oppositional heresy and moral depravity. Orthodox Christians ridiculed their ‘stinking’ Arian neighbors, and Muslims denounced the ‘reeking’ corruption of Umayyad and Abbasid decadence. Through the mouths of saints and prophets, patriarchal authors labeled perfumed women as existential threats to vulnerable men and consigned them to enclosed, private space for their protection as well as society’s. At the same time, theologians praised both men and women who purified and transformed their bodies into aromatic offerings to God. Both Christian and Muslim pilgrims venerated sainted men and women with perfumed offerings at tombstones; indeed, Christians and Muslims often worshipped together, honoring common heroes such as Abraham, Moses, and Jonah. Sacred Scents begins by surveying aroma’s quotidian functions in Roman and pre-Islamic cultural milieus within homes, temples, poetry, kitchens, and medicines. Existing scholarship tends to frame ‘scent’ as something available only to the wealthy or elite; however, perfumes, spices, and incense wafted through the lives of most early Christians and Muslims. It ends by examining both traditions’ views of Paradise, identified as the archetypal Garden and source of all perfumes and sweet smells. Both Christian and Islamic texts explain Adam and Eve’s profound grief at losing access to these heavenly aromas and celebrate God’s mercy in allowing earthly remembrances. Sacred scent thus prompts humanity’s grief for what was lost and the yearning for paradisiacal transformation still to come.

How long is Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam?

Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam by Mary Thurlkill is 213 pages long, and a total of 53,889 words.

This makes it 72% the length of the average book. It also has 66% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 4 hours and 54 minutes to read Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam aloud.

What Reading Level is Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam?

Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam?

Sacred Scents in Early Christianity and Islam by Mary Thurlkill is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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