Unfamiliar Selves in the Hebrew Bible

This insightful examination of spirit possession in the Hebrew Bible reveals its social and moral significance, as explored in Unfamiliar Selves in the Hebrew Bible.

In Unfamiliar Selves in the Hebrew Bible, Reed Carlson explores the concept of spirit possession within the context of the Hebrew Bible, challenging the common perception that such themes are primarily found in later Jewish literature and the New Testament. Carlson posits that these phenomena are indeed present in the earlier texts, but they do not conform to the typical Western understanding of possession. By applying theories from cultural anthropology and ethnography, he sheds light on how possession can be viewed as a collective and cultivated practice, offering insights into social dynamics and moral identity within the biblical narrative.

The author delves into various instances of spirit phenomena throughout the Hebrew Bible, examining spirit language found in the Psalms and Job, instances of spirit empowerment in the books of Judges and Samuel, and the role of communal possession among the prophets. Additionally, Carlson investigates apotropaic texts and spirit myths that are present in early Jewish literature, including the insights gained from the Dead Sea Scrolls. This comprehensive approach allows for a richer understanding of possession as a multifaceted concept that serves both social and spiritual functions.

By integrating two significant trends in biblical studies—explorations of evil and the construction of self—Unfamiliar Selves in the Hebrew Bible offers a synthesizing perspective that is valuable to scholars of biblical texts, early Judaism, and Christianity. Carlson's work invites readers to reconsider the implications of spirit possession in ancient contexts and its relevance to contemporary discussions of identity and morality.