Author(s):
Stolz, Fritz
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Gertz, Jan Christian
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Backhaus, Knut
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Sanders, E.P.
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Amir, Yehoyada
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Et al.
[German Version] I. History of Religions – II. Old Testament – III. New Testament – IV. Judaism – V. Christianity
I. History of Religions Immediate and comprehensive solidarity appertains only in the most elementary form of human society (in the “family,” which can be variously structured according to culture); all other forms of solidarity are “artificial,” determined by more or less explicit rules; one can subsume this under the term “covenant,” in which the purposes, realms of socialization, and regulating mechanisms of an artificial establishment of solidarity can be quite varied. In many societies, the regulations governing relationship and marriage have the greatest importance; an important objective of marriage consists in the establishment of social relations, with a distinction between exogamy and endogamy. The former forms relationships between different groups, which relationships are often treated in religious terms, the latter promotes homogeneity within the group (external solidarity is then mediated otherwise). Other types of covenant are only defined by the exchange of goods, which often involves not only consumer goods, but also “prestige goods” or “religious” symbolic objects (boundaries are frequently vague). Such “trade covenants” are known especially from the Melanesian realm. Here, too, higher beings are involved in the process, especially if they or elements of their representation are themselves involved in the exchange. Relationship, as “artificial relationship,” can be established temporarily or permanently, for purposes of arbitrated peaceful coexistence, occasionally also for solidarity (in the first instance militarily and politically). The simplest form of this regulation consists of the law of hospitality that guarantees reciprocal protection and implies an exchange of gifts (on one side, of lodging and provision, sometimes even in the realm of sexuality, on the other side, a gift to the host). Similarly, in the micro-realm, adoptions are effective if one remains without an heir and the continuation of the family needs to be insured; often, the…