Annotated bibliography - Essay Example

Annotated bibliography on rituals Antes, Johannes. Textual, comparative, sociological, and cognitive approaches. London: Walter de Gruyter, 2004. Print. Antes (pp.125) work, aims at giving the definitions of the term ritual on textual, cognitive, comparative and sociological ground. Antes (pp.127) indicates that ‘….rituals have simultaneously become objects, methods, and even something of a style of scholarship.’. Antes continues to argue that rituals cannot be discussed as a form of a theory, but a process that requires involved by the individuals.

This work indicates that the ritual actors cannot be alienated from the ritualization process. The term ‘ritual’ according to Antes (pp.125) cannot be discussed on a theoretical point of view. In this case, therefore, rituals can be discussed as a form of reality that influences the natural existence of human beings. McNamara, Patrick. Where God and Science Meet: The neurology of religious experience. West Port: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. In his work, McNamara (pp.222) indicates that rituals can basically be described as meaningless.

He adds that, ritualists ought not to have ascribed meanings to the rituals prior to performance of the same. He quotes that, ‘…rituals are not primarily devices for communicating hidden meanings…’ (222). This work puts the view that all forms of ritual studies should not only endeavor to discuss the meanings of rituals, but discuss the contexts in which rituals can be understood. This includes how rituals can be performance, and how the rituals can be performed. He also emphasizes that rituals can always have meanings if the audience want them to have meanings.

The work, however, cautions that persons should not misunderstand the fact that rituals may be termed as meaningless, but always try to find the most relevant meanings in the rituals. McNally, Michael. Ojibwe Singers: Hymns, Grief, and a Native American Culture in Motion. Minnesota: Minnesota Historical Society, 2009. Print. The work by McNally includes the concept of ritual as a form of survival tactic by the Native American persons. McNally (pp.197) indicates that rituals cannot be understood out of the context of the historical context of a people.

This work includes the thoughts of the famous historian, Geertz who believes that, ‘…ritual begets the fuel that drives the ‘cultural system’ of religion . (197). This is an interpretation of the fact that, through rituals, that the existence of humans find meanings as well as are motivated to exist in the world. McNally (pp.198), however, notes that rituals may portray varying meanings and cautions individuals from misinterpretation of the same. With this, he gives the example of Ojibwe community- a traditional community and the Protestant variations of the meanings of rituals in their religions.

Schilbrack, Kevin. Thinking Through Rituals: Philosophical Perspectives. London: Routledge, 2004. Print. This work incorporates the study of ritual activities and their implications on the understanding of the truth on the society. From this work, it is evident that rituals cannot be confined to the thoughts of an individual, but aspects that determine the way an individual thinks. Additionally, Schilbrack (pp.73) argues that rituals are part of the day to day lives of individuals. He quotes that, rituals are ‘….

formal behaviors for occasions not given over to technological routine, having reference to beliefs in mystical beings or powers..’ (73). Culture, is predicted to remain part of human nature, by Schilbrack. This, he proves by the increasing number of people taking part in rituals in the society. Grimes, Husken, U. & Venbrux, Eric. Ritual, Media, and Conflict. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print. Grimes, Husken & Venbrux’s work indicate that rituals can either be a source of conflict or minimize the likelihood of occurrence.

However, the manner in which rituals are displayed in the society determine whether conflict will be termed as a normal occurrence or an induced event. Grimes, Husken & Venbrux (pp.36) quotes that, ‘.mediatization plays a key role, often as the prime vehicle by which a ritual is presented, performed, or perceived.’ In this case, it is validated to argue that if the media plays its role positively, then occurrences of social conflicts will be reduced greatly. Additionally, rituals have been credited for their entertaining aspect that has the ability to unite the society culturally.

Conclusively, the media has been charged with a lot of responsibility in determining the manner in which culture will be perceived in the society. Works citedAntes, Johannes. Textual, comparative, sociological, and cognitive approaches. London: Walter de Gruyter, 2004. Print.Grimes, Husken, U. & Venbrux, Eric. Ritual, Media, and Conflict. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print. McNally, Michael. Ojibwe Singers: Hymns, Grief, and a Native American Culture in Motion. Minnesota: Minnesota Historical Society, 2009. Print. McNamara, Patrick.

Where God and Science Meet: The neurology of religious experience. West Port: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Schilbrack, Kevin. Thinking Through Rituals: Philosophical Perspectives. London: Routledge, 2004. Print.