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Ritual Theology in/and Biblical Theology

Ritual is an integral part of the human experience and represents also a significant element of biblical religion. This chapter explores the important link between ritual and biblical theology, highlighting its role as a vehicle for communicating complex concepts related to worship, community, and “knowing” God. Rituals are often triggered by emotions and also generate an emotive response. They can abbreviate, emphasize, expand, critique, and innovate. Ancient ritual activity is not only expressed in texts but also in images, challenging the reader and observer to “make sense” of the world and God’s role in this world. Finally, since ritual appears in texts and traditions of most religious communities (including also the three Abrahamic faiths), it can function as a link and an invitation to dialogue about “rival tellings.”