First Published in 2004. States of spirit possession, in which believer's feel themselves to be 'possessed' by the deity and raised to a new plane of existence, are found in almost all known religions. From Dionysiac cults to Haitia voodoo, Christian and Sufi mysticism to shamanic ritual, the rapture and frenzy of ecstatic experience forms an iconic expression of faith in all its devastating power and unpredictability. Ecstatic Religion has, since its first appearance in 1971, became the classic investigative study of these phenomena. Exploring the social and political significance of spiritual ecstasy and possession, it concerns the distinct types of functions of mystical experience - in particular, the differences between powerful male-dominated possession cults which reinforce established morality and power, and marginal, renegade ecstatics expressing forms of protest on behalf of the oppressed, especially women.
I. M. Lewis's wide-ranging comparative study looks at the psychological, medical, aesthetic, religious and cultural aspects of possession, and covers themes including soul-loss, ecstatic trance, divination, erotic passion and exorcism. Probing the mysteries of spirit possession through the critical lens of anthropological and sociological theory, this fully revised and expanded Third Edition is of crucial importance for students of psychology, sociology, religious mysticism and shamanism.

About the Author

Lewis, I.M.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We love books and pride ourselves of giving the customer the best buying experience.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Toscana Books
TX, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All returns are accepted within 30 days.

Right of cancellation

Shipping Terms

All books will be shipped through media mail. All books will be shipped within 2 business days.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 21 business days	13 to 14 business days
First item	� 3.20	� 10.79

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.