Beyond the Written Word : Oral Aspects of Scripture in the History of Religion

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Summary: Oral aspects of Scripture in the History of Religion.
Review: William Albert Graham's essays can be found highlighting many academic journals regarding middle eastern studies, Islamic studies and semantics. I picked up this book to brush up on my knowledge of the oral transmission of scripture and the role it played in the early development of religious traditions. I found the authors book to be both enlightening and well written. He takes us through a history of spoken scripture, from the desert fathers of early Christianity, to the great recital (Qur'an) of Islam. Graham also slams those incompetent contemporary critics who regard the oral tradition with so much suspicion that they receive only raised eyebrows and quiet laughter. Graham explores the dynamic of the living scripture and the role it played in these early communities. He also advocated that the oral transmission was the safest method of preserve for the content of early scripture. For instance, in the communities of Islam, parts the Qur'an was recited publicly several times a day. This practice, dating back to the Prophet allowed for the community to regulate the recitation and to ensure that no additions or subtractions occurred. Even today, in Mecca, during the Hajj pilgrimage, when the prayers are recited over a sea of millions of pilgrims, the reciter is careful not to make a mistake in his recitation, or face the correction of millions of his co-worshipers. While Islam certainly has the strongest oral tradition, Graham also explores the oral traditions which animated Puranas and the Vedic hymns of the Hindu tradition, the Kojiki (chronicles of old Japan), the Torah of the Judaic tradition, and various transmissions of early Catholicism. In the study of the oral dimensions of scripture Graham has also explored how the communities saw themselves. And the extraordinary role the memorization and recitation of scripture played in religious piety. I enjoyed this title because I am always interested in what these scriptures have to say. The commonality of there themes and the motivational drives which inspired them fills me with longing for a day when their meanings will be treated with sobriety and concern. The myths, legends, historical narratives, rituals, legal codes, ecstatic and mystical poetry, apocalyptic visions, utterances of Prophets and sages, divine revelations, the hymns and prayers offered to God, all of these things have something very important to tell us about this dark materialistic world of war and hate we find ourselves in.