The Control of Biblical Meaning: Canon As Semiotic Mechanism

Book Description

This provocative book pursues a series of questions associated with canon(s) of the Bible. How does the canon influence the meaning of the texts of which it is composed? Could texts be "liberated" from the canon, and what would this liberation do to them or to the canon? What does the biblical canon signify about its constituent texts? What does canonical status imply about texts that are included in the Bible, as well as texts that are excluded from it? How does a canon-a cultural and ideological product-influence or create ideology and culture?

In The Control of Biblical Meaning, George Aichele draws deeply on the insights of postructuralist literary theory as he pursues these questions. He also engages in close readings of specific biblical and nonbiblical texts to demonstrate ways that canon controls the meanings of its texts. With dazzling skill, Aichele interrogates the form and function of canon as a mechanism that both reveals and conceals texts from its readers.

George Aichele teaches at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. He is the author of Sign, Text, Scripture: Semiotics and the Bible and Jesus Framed and is a contributor to The Postmodern Bible.

Customer Reviews:

Coming to terms with canon.......2007-02-06

Aichele provides a picture of the post-modern reader in dialogue with sacred canon as context for sacred text. His emphasis is the Christian canon, inclusive of Hebrew texts. But his appeal reaches persons of faith, in general. More narrowly, Aichele's richest debates may rest among exegetes and apologists who enter the debate of context and text from one of many Christian perspectives. Numerous component parts of his picture disclose what you are likely to have heard or read before, for example: (1) the author's intended meaning is of little concern, (2) logocentrism is severely limited, and (3) an "arche" has been lost to the post-modern reader. What might be new to many readers will be Aichele's analysis of the "classic" (references to Kermode and Tracy abound), as the "classic" relates to the sacred canon of Hebrew and Christian scriptures. For readers familiar with Tracy and Kermode, Aichele's text is essential reading. For others who resist applying alternative interpretive schemes to sacred canon, such as schemes in favor or against applying doctrines of scientism or Marxism or feminism, etc., this text will trouble. Trouble illuminates Aichele's thesis, which invites readers to debate how sacred canon has constructed the meaning(s) of texts in the canon. That the trouble of constructed meaning and imperial hegemony is a post-Reformation-age phenomenon, and fueld by technological advances that Aichele identifies, only adds to the speculation about whether the sacred canon can even survive. Speculators will not want to miss reading this text. They, too, must decide whether the canon has exerted such control, and to what extent the control exerted by the canon discloses a culture that no longer can speak to the post-modern reader.

Responds to a series of key and seminal questions.......2001-06-09

In his insightful and scholarly new book, The Control Of Biblical Meaning: Canon As Semiotic Mechanism, George Aichele (Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan) presents and responds to a series of key and seminal questions associated with the canon of the Bible. Professor Aichele is articulate and informative as he examines how the canon influences the meaning of the texts which compose it; whether texts can be "liberated" from the canon and what such liberation would do to both them and to the canon that contains them; what canonical status implies about the texts included in the Bible (as well as texts that excluded); and how canon influences or creates ideology and culture within the Christian community. The Control Of Biblical Meaning is fascinating, erudite treatise that is both "user friendly" and very highly recommended for personal as well as academically oriented biblical studies curriculum supplementation and reading lists.

Semantic Mechanisms of Humor (Studies in Linguistics and Philosophy)

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Semantic Mechanisms of Humor (Studies in Linguistics and Philosophy)
V. Raskin
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 9027718210

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Mechanism of Meaning
Shusaku Arakawa , Madeline Gins , and Arakawa Gins
Manufacturer: Abbeville Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Architectural Body (Modern & Contemporary Poetics)

ASIN: 0896598098

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Information, Mechanism and Meaning
Donald M. MacKay
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0262130556

Arakawa The Mechanism of Meaning: Thirty six drawings from the Collection of Shirley and Miles Fiterman

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Arakawa The Mechanism of Meaning: Thirty six drawings from the Collection of Shirley and Miles Fiterman
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Manufacturer: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000V0CT8U

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Arakawa: The mechanism of meaning : thirty-six drawings from the collection of Shirley and Miles Fiterman
Shusaku Arakawa
Manufacturer: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B0006DXK6W

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Information Mechanism & Meaning
Donald Mackay
Manufacturer: MIT PRESS @
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TXM5DS

Information, Mechanism and Meaning (1972)

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Information, Mechanism and Meaning (1972)
Donald M. MacKay
Manufacturer: Massachussetts Institute of Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000Q6KSD2

The Mechanism of Meaning. Work in Progress (1963-1971, 1978).

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The Mechanism of Meaning. Work in Progress (1963-1971, 1978).
Madeline H. ARAKAWA and GINS
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MXAOL0

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The Mechanism of Meaning: Work in Progress (1963-1971, 1978).
Arakawa
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MY3RS6

Book Description

In the final book of his astonishing career, Carl Sagan brilliantly examines the burning questions of our lives, our world, and the universe around us. These luminous, entertaining essays travel both the vastness of the cosmos and the intimacy of the human mind, posing such fascinating questions as how did the universe originate and how will it end, and how can we meld science and compassion to meet the challenges of the coming century? Here, too, is a rare, private glimpse of Sagan's thoughts about love, death, and God as he struggled with fatal disease. Ever forward-looking and vibrant with the sparkle of his unquenchable curiosity, Billions & Billions is a testament to one of the great scientific minds of our day.

Customer Reviews:

forceful and persuasive .......2007-09-12

Sagan covers much more than environmental issues in this book. However, his writing is so forceful and persuasive on environmental issues that this theme overshadows all others in my mind. Before reading this work, I was under the impression that global warming was still a theory and that things were happening so slowly that there was little need for action. Now I'm convinced that we are in the midst of a global crisis, a crisis with the potential for the most catastrophic and irreparable of consequences. The issues covered here are of extreme importance. We all have a responsibility to be informed. Please read at least part 2 of this book, which runs from pages 75 to 178.

At the end of a remarkable life.......2007-05-16

As he knowingly faced the end, Sagan bravely shared his views on a number of subjects: science, politics, philosophy, and the environment. Here are the departing words from a man who spent his life in search of knowledge about nature, not in pursuit of wealth. His admonitions come across as genuine, and his motivations are altruistic. He suggests that some of mankind's present course is noble, while some of it may be terminally perilous. He wisely advises us to choose the path of progress, not the path of confrontation and destruction.

This is an atypical Sagan work. Those wanting him to stick strictly to science will have to modify their expectations somewhat. There's a good amount of science here, but this is his final public farewell to everyone he loved, knew, or influenced. To me, it's a profoundly moving work.

A brilliant mind but dangerous.......2006-12-05

I remember watching Cosmos on television when I was a kid. I didn't question him then or for some time after. The book is entertaining, with good story telling. Sagan makes many excellent points and he is easily understood. These are his final words before his death. If you are looking for hard science, this isn't the book. Politics and propaganda enter a few chapters. Carl was a brilliant mind but dangerous.

Carl discusses society, ethics, morality, rules to live by, and gives us a feel for large numbers. Life maybe not that scarce? His philosophy on a better world is all well and good, but he forgets or ignores there is true evil in the world. He concludes that God and the supernatural as myth, but falls in the same trap by treating theory as fact. What is the amazing brain of evolution, where does it come from? He gives us no real answers. He does not realize or purposely ignores problems with his theories. The new fear is the environmental and climatic warnings. According to Sagan, at the time this book was written, we should be in dire straights in the near future--are we? Is life as fragile as he says? His thoughts come from a secular humanist mind. I still recommend the book.

How does he propose such world wide changes, except by government intervention?

"Our ancestors came from the trees"------------what???????

Wish you well
Scott

Feel Smarter, BE smarter !.......2006-10-17

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Sagan never claims to have ALL the answers, but encourages the reader to think in a non-conventional fashion. As a community college instructor of the Natural Sciences, I appreciate Sagan's ability to describe and relate the micro- and macroscopic nature of the universe. Each chapter reads well on its own. Especially enjoyed the chapter on the myths of Croseus and Cassandra and their applicability to today's political approach towards current environmental and social issues.

A very important book.......2006-09-15

I have read this book a couple of times and I think it's value lies in making you want to go out and protect the enviroment, work for peace, increase science education, etc..... I liked it because he was a wonderfully eloquent person and really made you want to understand more about the enviroment. I also enjoyed demon haunted world and would recommend either book.

Brink of Life and Death (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 10)

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The Wanderings of Usagi Yojimbo
Standard quality fare The setup for Grasscutter
Very good stories!
Usagi Yojimbo Review

Brink of Life and Death (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 10)
Stan Sakai
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1569712972

Book Description

Join Usagi Yojimbo in his hare-raising adventures of life and death. Watch as he faces assassins, medicine peddlers, bat ninjas, and more! This is a story of honor and adventure. It's a masterful adaptation of samurai legend to sequential art. Dark Horse is proud to present this epic story of good versus evil. Sakai's unique blend of storytelling and Japanese legend has made a unique niche for itself.

Customer Reviews:

The Wanderings of Usagi Yojimbo.......2005-02-13

Stan Sakai is one of the most gifted current graphic novelists. He is a one man show, doing the artwork and the story. Although all the characters of this series are animal-like humanoids, you think of them as people rather than as animals. However, their animal characteristics underscore the personality traits of the individuals. In this volume, Usagi Yojimbo, the rabbit ronin who is doomed to wander medieval Japan tastes the life fishermen, and runs into the usual cast of characters who populate this series, e.g., the thief Kitsune (in a very poignant story about the cruelty of the age), and Chizu the neko ninja. The brilliance of the Usagi Yojimbo series is the combination of artwork that alone can tell the story, and a plotline that engages the reader rather than just entertains.

Standard quality fare The setup for Grasscutter.......2004-05-28

Yet another series of Usagi Yojimbo comics collected in Graphic novel format.

As always the story and the art are great. The introduction of Inazuma and the story of Noodles are the high point of this book. The introduction of priest Sanshobo will also lead to important tales in the future.

That being said there is nothing particular to distinguish this volume from the others that jumps out at you. This was a transitional period in the comic and the stories reflect it, but it is the reason why I call it standard quality fare. The quality is high but that is the standard I have expected and recieved from Mr. Sakai for decades.

However this fare is deceptive as this will set up the Grasscutter stories to follow.

Buy it.

Very good stories!.......2001-11-07

Usagi Yojimbo, is a ronin, a masterless samurai who is travelling the MUSHA SHUGYO ( Warrior Pilgrimage ) to hone his spiritual and martial skills, in his travelling these 10 stories form this book, with the good storytelling of Stan Sakai and the evocative world of the feudal Japan from the XVI century

In this volume we are introduced to three important characters and the stories behind them. The most important is the story of Inazuma a young woman converted in Samurai with a reward upon her head. Then the story of Sanshobo a priest who was a HATAMOTO ( banner-man )and resign that life retiring himself to a monastery. The last story is about a man, Jei, who see himself like an instrument of gods to destroy the evil. We'll find again these characters in the volume "Grasscutter" and can read more of this fascinating story: the adventures of Usagi Yojimbo. You will not regret to buy this book.

Usagi Yojimbo Review.......2000-05-16

After reading Daisho, Shades of Death, and Seasons, I knew that I could expect beautifully simple drawings and well thought out story lines in Brink of Life and Death. But Stan Sakai still managed to surprise me with a compassionate two part story titled Noodles, and this was just one of the wonderful stories portrayed through the adventures of Miyamoto Usagi. Brink focuses on the earlier wanderings of Usagi, but I guess I have to read some more to understand exactly how Usagi met some of his associates. This is yet another excellent collection of that wonderful series the readers of which have come to love, Usagi Yojimbo, the Ronin.

Walk of Faith: Three Near-death Experiences and a Journey from the Brink of Hell to Heaven

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My review
Quite an imagination
Walk of Faith, review
A Little Bit About My Book
Take a journey into Enlightenment

Walk of Faith: Three Near-death Experiences and a Journey from the Brink of Hell to Heaven
Chiemi Lynn Haman
Manufacturer: Xulon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1591602270

Customer Reviews:

My review.......2007-03-17

I am writing because I noticed there are reviews for 'Walk of Faith' on Amazon.com. I really enjoyed reading 'Walk of Faith'. It was very interesting to hear the story of this woman's near death experiences, and it gives me courage to believe that there is life for us after this life, and that we will live forever. I give this book a rating of 5 stars!

Quite an imagination.......2007-01-01

I read this book and at best it is simply entertaining, hence the two stars, otherwise it would be only one star. I do not believe this woman's story. She admits to having been treated for brain damage and mental problems due to an auto accident she was in. I'm sure anyone who is medicated for brain problems could invent such a story. She claims God is very personal to her and comes to her in visions, this I find unbelievable, not unbelievable in a "wow" way, but unbelievable in a " I don't think so" way. If you are looking to be entertained this book is ok, but I'd rather rent Star Wars for entertainment.

Walk of Faith, review.......2006-08-01

If you are looking for a near death experience memoir- this is not the best choice.
It is not well written, nor very interesting. The author quotes often from the bible to make her point, and the whole atttempt comes across as preachy and pedantic. I was disappointed. The book didn't resonate with me, and I didn't find it inspiring.

A Little Bit About My Book.......2006-05-31

'Walk of Faith' opens up for the reading audience my journey to find God, with God's help, through a series of three near-death experiences and miracles. In the first near-death experience, I went to the brink of Hell. In the second near-death experience, I went into the tunnel of Light. In the third near-death experience I went into the Light and met Jesus Christ and my guardian angel, and I had a glimpse of Heaven. I go into detail about my near-death experiences, stating that I did not grow up in a religious family. These experiences are followed by a supernatural quest to find out what the terms meant that Jesus and my guardian angel spoke of, (terms such as first and second seal, final seal, and seventh seal) leading to appearances of Jesus. Jesus gave me many lessons in life, clarifying them with visions, Scripture, and prayer. These lessons are meant for everyone, both for devout believers and also those sitting on the fence of belief. I go into detail 14 of the lessons I learned while conversing with Jesus. Ultimately, my near-death experiences taught me that there is an afterlife, from the mudpit of Hell to the Light of Heaven.[...] I hope you will enjoy my book! chiemi

Take a journey into Enlightenment.......2004-03-18

From the beginning of the book till the end, the author takes us through a journey of enlightenment. As you read the book, you can't help but to be taken in by this woman's near death experiences and the lessons they provide us about our faith. The author's past challenges provide insightful lessons to all. God speaks to us in mysterious ways, and through this book Chiemi shares her conversations with us. The "Walk of Faith" is must read for those who would like to expand upon their spiritual beliefs.

Billions and Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium

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Billions and Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium

Manufacturer: Random House Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HJO8CU

Usagi Yojimbo vol. 3: Al filo de la vida y la muerte: Usagi Yojimbo vol. 3: Brink of Life and Death (Usagi Yojimbo (Spanish))

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Usagi Yojimbo vol. 3: Al filo de la vida y la muerte: Usagi Yojimbo vol. 3: Brink of Life and Death (Usagi Yojimbo (Spanish))
Stan Sakai
Manufacturer: Public Square Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Usagi is no Bugs Bunny. He's a rabbit samurai who wanders 17th century Japan, a land ravaged by civil war and populated with anthropomorphic animals that are fighting to survive. Classic storytelling, flawlessly designed art and lovingly researched period touches. . .a true all-ages comics treat. -Publishers Weekly

Average customer rating:

I can think of better ratings when I'm drunk.

BUY NOW!!!

Lore is a god. The end.

very funny!

freaking funny

The Book of Ratings: Opinions, Grades, and Assessments of Everything Worth Thinking About
Lore Fitzgerald Sjoberg
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About: A Novel

The Areas of My Expertise

World Of Warcraft Expansion: Burning Crusade

ASIN: 0609808524
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Book Description

“Lore Fitzgerald Sjöberg could be talking about bowling shoes and still be funny (speaking of which, the low-fashion shoes rank C–, right below actual bowling).” —Washington Post

Are you harshly judgmental? Yes! Do you walk around snidely rating everything in your path? Of course you do! You can’t help it—it’s just too easy and too much fun to rate everything from your coworkers and dates to restaurants and supermodels.

The Book of Ratings, which grades and compares everyday items in its own unique way, is the ultimate catalog of the most mundane and most hilarious rankings around.

For instance: Have you ever considered marsupials?
Koalas: Koala bears eat only one thing, day in and day out. Koalas look cuddly, but they’re actually irritable, solitary beasts who do not want belly rubs. What kind of mocking god created creatures with poofy ears and big black noses that don’t want belly rubs? B

Opossums: North America gets one lousy marsupial, and let’s just say it’s not going to win any beauty contests. Or even not-ugly contests. C–

Wombats: “Wombat” is a great name. It’s got a “wom” and a “bat,” and an “omba.” They’re kind of nondescript animals, cute in a generic pudgy mammal way, but their name spelled backward is “tabmow,” and that makes all the difference. A

The Book of Ratings is hysterically arbitrary and undeniably infectious.

Customer Reviews:

I can think of better ratings when I'm drunk........2007-03-02

I found this book boring. I can think up wittier things to say after two margaritas. Besides, it's all someone else's opinions, and I hear enough of those. If you want funny opinions, look up Mitch Hedburg jokes online.

BUY NOW!!!.......2003-03-10

Now, I'm a huge fan of the website, but I don't let that cloud my judgement. These ratings are hilarious. Plain and simple. Now a lot of you "simple minded" folk out there might not be interested due to Lore's advanced and half made up vocabulary, but to the rest of us it's a great book to pick up and read whenever we need a laugh. Even if you look at it in terms of the website, buy it anyway. It has plenty of new content and you can read it when your waiting to get your teeth drilled at the dentist's office. Overall I give it an A. It would get an A+, but it didn't have all of the ratings. Then it would be perfect.

Lore is a god. The end........2003-03-08

Okay, maybe not the end, but let me tell you something. Here it is: If you have never read this book or gone to Brunching.com, you are seriously missing out. Of course some people might not like this book. Y'know like the ones who can't read and have trouble with the big words but if someone read it to them, then yes, a drink to nose connection would probably be made if they were drinking something. Which we will assume they were.

Lore does use quite a bit of vocabulary and pop-culture references in his ratings but even if some of them go over your head you're bound to get most. There's even a rating for "References from the last rating" where he rates some of the more obscure or over the headish references he made in the previous rating.

Bottom line: Buy this book. Immediately. That means now. Go. Now.

(If you want to see if the book is for you go to Brunching.com and check out the ratings. It probably is.)

very funny!.......2003-02-20

This was my Valentine's Day gift. My girlfriend tells me that I'm so opinionated about stuff that I could have written this book. She may be right. I think I can remember yelling "but Twinkies [are gross]!" while reading the book. Maybe I just thought it very loud. I've never been to the website that this guy rates stuff for, but Sjoberg rates everything under the sun (from the Seven Dwarfs, to food made by Hostess, to national sports, to....well, anything and everything). It's very interesting.

The structure of the book is in two to three page segments, each one covering a topic. Sjoberg picks several aspects of the topic, give a brief rating of each, and then a letter grade (an example of this would be the Seven Dwarfs as a topic, and then each dwarf gets a short paragraph and the letter grade). The book is consistently amusing with some very funny one-liners tacked in there.

I liked this book, it reminded me of high school where we would make all sorts of lists and put them in order of best to worst. This is a better written extension of that.

freaking funny.......2003-01-24

Ok, I admit that I'm a fan of the website, but this book has new material and I also laughed even harder at the stuff I've already read off the site. I think it's because sometimes we skim websites and miss inside jokes. But a book you pay attention to every word and Lore puts off-beat references that have you laughing out loud (if you can catch them). It's wonderful to have it all bound in a book - I have already given away a copy to a friend who liked it too.

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