This book examines the fragmentary and contradictory evidence for Orpheus as the author of rites and poems to redefine Orphism as a label applied polemically to extra-ordinary religious phenomena. Replacing older models of an Orphic religion; this richer and more complex model provides insight into the boundaries of normal and abnormal Greek religion. The study traces the construction of the category of 'Orphic' from its first appearances in the Classical period; through the centuries of philosophical and religious polemics; especially in the formation of early Christianity and again in the debates over the origins of Christianity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A paradigm shift in the study of Greek religion; this study provides scholars of classics; early Christianity; ancient religion and philosophy with a new model for understanding the nature of ancient Orphism; including ideas of afterlife; cosmogony; sacred scriptures; rituals of purification and initiation; and exotic mythology.
#645531 in Books Habila Helon 2016-12-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.40 x .40 x 4.90l; .0 #File Name: 0997126469128 pagesThe Chibok Girls The Boko Haram Kidnappings and Islamist Militancy in Nigeria
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Chibok GirlsBy S RiazChibok is a poor and neglected town in Nigeria; where much of the population work in agriculture and life was fairly uneventful in this obscure corner of the country; until an event which brought it to the world’s notice. On the 14th April; 2014; members of Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls. Less than fifty managed to jump off the vehicles which they were loaded into. In October 2016; 21 girls were released after negotiations and a handful were rescued or escaped. Tragically; the majority of the girls are still missing.Author ; Helon Habila; travelled to Chibok; a town in lockdown since the events of 2014. While telling the story of the terrible events in Chibok; he also explains the current political situation in Nigeria. The checkpoints; the roadblocks; the schools burnt down in local villages he passes through; the villages abandoned; the ethnic and religious divisions; intolerance and corruption are all shown without emotion and are the more shocking for the journalistic style.Boko Haram is the nickname for a group named Jama’atu Ahlis Surina Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad; or “the people committed to the propaganda of the Prophet’s teachings and Jihad;†which was founded by Mohammed Yusuf. With such a long name; they presumably needed a shortened version; Boko Haram; which means (loosely translated); “Western education is abhorrent.†Indeed; two months before the attack in Chibok; Boko Haram terrorists invaded the Federal Government College; killing fifty nine young boys. It was a chilling rehearsal for Chibok. Previously; the terrorists had been robbing banks; but as they were pushed back into the forest; kidnapping became an easier way to make money; as well as providing women to cook; clean and to act as ‘wives.’ One of their main aims is to stop education; especially that of girls.Habila explains the history behind the events and he also shows the impact that they have caused. Not only to the parents of the girls; many of whom have suffered physically; mentally and even died after the loss of their daughters; but also to the community and families. One of the most shocking parts of the book; though; comes when he interviews three of the girls themselves and they tell their story in such a straight-forward way. Even more shocking though; was (and is) the political inactivity after the girls were taken. In fact; one minister erupted when being interviewed on television; so incensed was he about being questioned about the missing girls. It seems almost impossible that such a terrible thing as young girls being taken by force; for no other reason than wanting an education; has simply been ignored by the government of the country that is meant to protect them.This is an extremely important read. It gives a good background to the political situation in Nigeria and explains; without emotive language; but in a very moving way; the events in Chibok. He also tells of those; such as the Education Must Continue Initiative; who are fighting against Boko Haram and who helped some of the girls who did escape that day. The people Habila interviews are so remarkably stoic that I have to say I was astounded; tearful and extremely angry at the end of this book. A very moving read; which I highly recommend. I received a copy of this book from the publisher; via NetGalley; for review.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. excellentBy Toni OsborneThe Boko Haram Kidnappings and Islamist Militancy in NigeriaOn 15 April 2014; 267 girls from the Chibok Secondary School in Northern Nigeria were kidnapped by Boko Haram; Mr. Habila shares with us the personal stories of some of the girls who managed to free themselves. “The Chibok Girls†is poignant portraits of everyday Nigerians whose lives have been transformed by extremist forces.In his chronicle; Nigerian born poet and novelist Helon Habila has written with sensibility an eloquent account and has illuminated us with the long history of colonialism and cultural and religious differences that eventually lead to conflicts that is ravaging the country. 128 pages of the most devastating experience to both Christians and Muslims: Boko Haram.It took Mr. Habila months of research; travelling in the northeast part of the country; interviewing many people; observing conditions in camps and talking to displace persons adding his experiences as a born Nigerian and interpreting the material in order to somehow be able to articulate to his satisfaction the fears and concerns of the victims of this insurgency and trying to personify the victims beyond mere statistic and transmit his thoughts to us in a simple and comprehensive manner. He did a fabulous job with this heartbreaking story. Even with its small size “The Chibok Girls†contains a wealth of information.I received an advance copy from Columbia Global Reports via “NetGalley†for an honest and unbiased review.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Torn LivesBy Jill BemisReligious and personal freedom only counts if you believe and outwardly support what the terrorists believe in Northern Nigeria. The author recounts the kidnapping and aftermath of 276 girls from a secondary school and the environment that supported such actions. This brief story reads like a long magazine article with a quick look at the people; governments; religious sects; and politics involved in the incident.
