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Overview
In this major contribution to the study of the Chinese classics and comparative religion, John Henderson uses the history of exegesis to illuminate mental patterns that have universal and perennial significance for intellectual history. Henderson relates the Confucian commentarial tradition to other primary exegetical traditions, particularly the Homeric tradition, Vedanta, rabbinic Judaism, ancient and medieval Christian biblical exegesis, and Qur'anic exegesis. In making such comparisons, he discusses some basic assumptions common to all these traditions--such as that the classics or scriptures are comprehensive or that they contain all significant knowledge or truth and analyzes the strategies deployed to support these presuppositions. As shown here, primary differences among commentarial or exegetical traditions arose from variations in their emphasis on one or another of these assumptions and strategies. Henderson demonstrates that exegetical modes of thought were far from arcane: they dominated the post- classical/premodern intellectual world. Some have persisted or re- emerged in modern times, particularly in ideologies such as Marxism. Written in an engaging and accessible style, Scripture, Canon, and Commentary is not only a challenging interpretation of comparative scriptural traditions but also an excellent introduction to the study of the Confucian classics.Editorials
Booknews
Compares the Confucian tradition of commentary on scripture and classics to the traditions around Homer, Vedanta, Judaism, the Quran and the Bible. Finds a unifying theme, that the revered text is comprehensive--containing all knowledge or truth--and a variety of strategies used to support the belief. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Book Details
Published
July 1, 1992
Publisher
Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, 1991.
Pages
264
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780691068329