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The Making of the Self: Ancient and Modern Asceticism

by Richard Valantasis
Paperback |English |1556352867 | 9781556352867

The Making of the Self: Ancient and Modern Asceticism

by Richard Valantasis
Paperback |English |1556352867 | 9781556352867
Overview

Description: A leading scholar of ascetical studies, Richard Valantasis explores a variety of ascetical traditions ranging from the Greco-Roman philosophy of Musonius Rufus, the asceticism found in the Nag Hammadi Library and in certain Gnostic texts, the Gospel of Thomas, and other early Christian texts. This collection gathers historical and theoretical essays that develop a theory of asceticism that informs the analysis of historical texts and opens the way for postmodern ascetical studies. Wide-ranging in historical scope and in developing theory, these essays address asceticism for scholar and student alike. The theory will be of particular interest to those interested in cultural theory and analysis, while the historical essays provide the researcher with easy access to a significant corpus of academic writing on asceticism. Endorsements: ""In the context of belligerently hedonistic North American society, a society reduced to waging war to support our lifestyle, Richard Valantasis's The Making of the Self has never been more relevant. Valantasis proposes that past and present can best be compared, not through ideas, but through analysis of practices and what they produce. This book asks, What did historical people seek to achieve through the ascetic disciplines they practiced? What do we seek? Could some of the ascetic repertoire of historical people be of practical use toward our goals? Valantasis describes a theory and practice of asceticism for secular twenty-first-century society. Both informative and inspirational, The Making of the Self should be required reading for everyone who seeks to make intentional choices that shape the self."" --Margaret R. Miles, Professor Emerita of Historical Theology, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and author of A Complex Delight: The Secularization of the Breast, 1350-1750 ""A tour-de-force through the theory and practice of asceticism in late antiquity. Valatansis's insightful focus on the transformative power of ascetic performance permits one to see asceticism through the ascetic's eyes. His work compels us to reflect anew on the nature and role of asceticism in antiquity, and, in the process, to consider its meaning and relevance today."" --James E. Goehring, Professor of Religion, University of Mary Washington and author of Ascetics, Society, and The Desert ""The Making of the Self: Ancient and Modern Asceticism opens up traditional Christian and Roman sources to a new kind of close reading, showing us what difference it makes to recast asceticism in a theoretically rich and provocative way. In undertaking this task, Richard Valantasis invites his readers to rethink the historical texture of ancient Mediterranean asceticism as well as the ongoing legacies of asceticism's hardwiring of human society in any time and place where people resist the current order of things and dream of a new and better reality."" --Elizabeth A. Castelli, Professor of Religion, Barnard College at Columbia University and author of Martyrdom and Memory: Early Christian Culture Making ""This wide-ranging collection of essays is a remarkably coherent and compelling presentation of Valantasis's mature theorizing about a complex and fascinating phenomenon. Through his writings and through our conversations and collaborations over the years, Valantasis had already taught me much about asceticism. But this book I read as the capstone of his musings, playfulness, and hard work. It is Valantasis at his best--articulate, creative, witty, feisty, provocative, brilliant. All students of religion and culture will be enlightened and delighted and challenged by this book."" --Vincent L. Wimbush, Professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate University and editor of Ascetic Behavior in Greco-Roman Antiquity: A Sourcebook About the Contributor(s): Richard Valantasis is Professor of Ascetical Theology and Director of the Anglican Studies Program at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Geor
ISBN: 1556352867
ISBN13: 9781556352867
Author: Richard Valantasis
Publisher: Cascade Books
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2008-03-15
Language: English
PageCount: 336
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.84 x 9.0 inches
Weight: 16.0 ounces

Description: A leading scholar of ascetical studies, Richard Valantasis explores a variety of ascetical traditions ranging from the Greco-Roman philosophy of Musonius Rufus, the asceticism found in the Nag Hammadi Library and in certain Gnostic texts, the Gospel of Thomas, and other early Christian texts. This collection gathers historical and theoretical essays that develop a theory of asceticism that informs the analysis of historical texts and opens the way for postmodern ascetical studies. Wide-ranging in historical scope and in developing theory, these essays address asceticism for scholar and student alike. The theory will be of particular interest to those interested in cultural theory and analysis, while the historical essays provide the researcher with easy access to a significant corpus of academic writing on asceticism. Endorsements: ""In the context of belligerently hedonistic North American society, a society reduced to waging war to support our lifestyle, Richard Valantasis's The Making of the Self has never been more relevant. Valantasis proposes that past and present can best be compared, not through ideas, but through analysis of practices and what they produce. This book asks, What did historical people seek to achieve through the ascetic disciplines they practiced? What do we seek? Could some of the ascetic repertoire of historical people be of practical use toward our goals? Valantasis describes a theory and practice of asceticism for secular twenty-first-century society. Both informative and inspirational, The Making of the Self should be required reading for everyone who seeks to make intentional choices that shape the self."" --Margaret R. Miles, Professor Emerita of Historical Theology, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and author of A Complex Delight: The Secularization of the Breast, 1350-1750 ""A tour-de-force through the theory and practice of asceticism in late antiquity. Valatansis's insightful focus on the transformative power of ascetic performance permits one to see asceticism through the ascetic's eyes. His work compels us to reflect anew on the nature and role of asceticism in antiquity, and, in the process, to consider its meaning and relevance today."" --James E. Goehring, Professor of Religion, University of Mary Washington and author of Ascetics, Society, and The Desert ""The Making of the Self: Ancient and Modern Asceticism opens up traditional Christian and Roman sources to a new kind of close reading, showing us what difference it makes to recast asceticism in a theoretically rich and provocative way. In undertaking this task, Richard Valantasis invites his readers to rethink the historical texture of ancient Mediterranean asceticism as well as the ongoing legacies of asceticism's hardwiring of human society in any time and place where people resist the current order of things and dream of a new and better reality."" --Elizabeth A. Castelli, Professor of Religion, Barnard College at Columbia University and author of Martyrdom and Memory: Early Christian Culture Making ""This wide-ranging collection of essays is a remarkably coherent and compelling presentation of Valantasis's mature theorizing about a complex and fascinating phenomenon. Through his writings and through our conversations and collaborations over the years, Valantasis had already taught me much about asceticism. But this book I read as the capstone of his musings, playfulness, and hard work. It is Valantasis at his best--articulate, creative, witty, feisty, provocative, brilliant. All students of religion and culture will be enlightened and delighted and challenged by this book."" --Vincent L. Wimbush, Professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate University and editor of Ascetic Behavior in Greco-Roman Antiquity: A Sourcebook About the Contributor(s): Richard Valantasis is Professor of Ascetical Theology and Director of the Anglican Studies Program at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Geor

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Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

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  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
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Overview

Description: A leading scholar of ascetical studies, Richard Valantasis explores a variety of ascetical traditions ranging from the Greco-Roman philosophy of Musonius Rufus, the asceticism found in the Nag Hammadi Library and in certain Gnostic texts, the Gospel of Thomas, and other early Christian texts. This collection gathers historical and theoretical essays that develop a theory of asceticism that informs the analysis of historical texts and opens the way for postmodern ascetical studies. Wide-ranging in historical scope and in developing theory, these essays address asceticism for scholar and student alike. The theory will be of particular interest to those interested in cultural theory and analysis, while the historical essays provide the researcher with easy access to a significant corpus of academic writing on asceticism. Endorsements: ""In the context of belligerently hedonistic North American society, a society reduced to waging war to support our lifestyle, Richard Valantasis's The Making of the Self has never been more relevant. Valantasis proposes that past and present can best be compared, not through ideas, but through analysis of practices and what they produce. This book asks, What did historical people seek to achieve through the ascetic disciplines they practiced? What do we seek? Could some of the ascetic repertoire of historical people be of practical use toward our goals? Valantasis describes a theory and practice of asceticism for secular twenty-first-century society. Both informative and inspirational, The Making of the Self should be required reading for everyone who seeks to make intentional choices that shape the self."" --Margaret R. Miles, Professor Emerita of Historical Theology, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and author of A Complex Delight: The Secularization of the Breast, 1350-1750 ""A tour-de-force through the theory and practice of asceticism in late antiquity. Valatansis's insightful focus on the transformative power of ascetic performance permits one to see asceticism through the ascetic's eyes. His work compels us to reflect anew on the nature and role of asceticism in antiquity, and, in the process, to consider its meaning and relevance today."" --James E. Goehring, Professor of Religion, University of Mary Washington and author of Ascetics, Society, and The Desert ""The Making of the Self: Ancient and Modern Asceticism opens up traditional Christian and Roman sources to a new kind of close reading, showing us what difference it makes to recast asceticism in a theoretically rich and provocative way. In undertaking this task, Richard Valantasis invites his readers to rethink the historical texture of ancient Mediterranean asceticism as well as the ongoing legacies of asceticism's hardwiring of human society in any time and place where people resist the current order of things and dream of a new and better reality."" --Elizabeth A. Castelli, Professor of Religion, Barnard College at Columbia University and author of Martyrdom and Memory: Early Christian Culture Making ""This wide-ranging collection of essays is a remarkably coherent and compelling presentation of Valantasis's mature theorizing about a complex and fascinating phenomenon. Through his writings and through our conversations and collaborations over the years, Valantasis had already taught me much about asceticism. But this book I read as the capstone of his musings, playfulness, and hard work. It is Valantasis at his best--articulate, creative, witty, feisty, provocative, brilliant. All students of religion and culture will be enlightened and delighted and challenged by this book."" --Vincent L. Wimbush, Professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate University and editor of Ascetic Behavior in Greco-Roman Antiquity: A Sourcebook About the Contributor(s): Richard Valantasis is Professor of Ascetical Theology and Director of the Anglican Studies Program at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Geor
ISBN: 1556352867
ISBN13: 9781556352867
Author: Richard Valantasis
Publisher: Cascade Books
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2008-03-15
Language: English
PageCount: 336
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.84 x 9.0 inches
Weight: 16.0 ounces

Description: A leading scholar of ascetical studies, Richard Valantasis explores a variety of ascetical traditions ranging from the Greco-Roman philosophy of Musonius Rufus, the asceticism found in the Nag Hammadi Library and in certain Gnostic texts, the Gospel of Thomas, and other early Christian texts. This collection gathers historical and theoretical essays that develop a theory of asceticism that informs the analysis of historical texts and opens the way for postmodern ascetical studies. Wide-ranging in historical scope and in developing theory, these essays address asceticism for scholar and student alike. The theory will be of particular interest to those interested in cultural theory and analysis, while the historical essays provide the researcher with easy access to a significant corpus of academic writing on asceticism. Endorsements: ""In the context of belligerently hedonistic North American society, a society reduced to waging war to support our lifestyle, Richard Valantasis's The Making of the Self has never been more relevant. Valantasis proposes that past and present can best be compared, not through ideas, but through analysis of practices and what they produce. This book asks, What did historical people seek to achieve through the ascetic disciplines they practiced? What do we seek? Could some of the ascetic repertoire of historical people be of practical use toward our goals? Valantasis describes a theory and practice of asceticism for secular twenty-first-century society. Both informative and inspirational, The Making of the Self should be required reading for everyone who seeks to make intentional choices that shape the self."" --Margaret R. Miles, Professor Emerita of Historical Theology, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and author of A Complex Delight: The Secularization of the Breast, 1350-1750 ""A tour-de-force through the theory and practice of asceticism in late antiquity. Valatansis's insightful focus on the transformative power of ascetic performance permits one to see asceticism through the ascetic's eyes. His work compels us to reflect anew on the nature and role of asceticism in antiquity, and, in the process, to consider its meaning and relevance today."" --James E. Goehring, Professor of Religion, University of Mary Washington and author of Ascetics, Society, and The Desert ""The Making of the Self: Ancient and Modern Asceticism opens up traditional Christian and Roman sources to a new kind of close reading, showing us what difference it makes to recast asceticism in a theoretically rich and provocative way. In undertaking this task, Richard Valantasis invites his readers to rethink the historical texture of ancient Mediterranean asceticism as well as the ongoing legacies of asceticism's hardwiring of human society in any time and place where people resist the current order of things and dream of a new and better reality."" --Elizabeth A. Castelli, Professor of Religion, Barnard College at Columbia University and author of Martyrdom and Memory: Early Christian Culture Making ""This wide-ranging collection of essays is a remarkably coherent and compelling presentation of Valantasis's mature theorizing about a complex and fascinating phenomenon. Through his writings and through our conversations and collaborations over the years, Valantasis had already taught me much about asceticism. But this book I read as the capstone of his musings, playfulness, and hard work. It is Valantasis at his best--articulate, creative, witty, feisty, provocative, brilliant. All students of religion and culture will be enlightened and delighted and challenged by this book."" --Vincent L. Wimbush, Professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate University and editor of Ascetic Behavior in Greco-Roman Antiquity: A Sourcebook About the Contributor(s): Richard Valantasis is Professor of Ascetical Theology and Director of the Anglican Studies Program at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Geor

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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