Tradition Kept: The Literature of the Samaritans by Robert T. Anderson and Terry Giles offers an insightful exploration of the unique literary and religious heritage of the Samaritan community. The Samaritans, a small yet ancient group, have preserved a distinct religious identity for over two millennia, and Anderson and Giles masterfully guide the reader through their sacred texts and cultural significance. The book contains Samaritan chronicles, a translation of the Samaritan book of Joshua (which is quite different than the Biblical book of Joshua), miscellaneous Samaritan texts, a discussion on the Samaritan pentateuch, an interesting Samaritan record of their history called Tibat Marqe (Memar Marqe), and book called Kitab al-Tarikh (The Annals of Abu’l Fath). These writings shine great light on the Samaritan religion. There is even information on Jesus Christ from a Samaritan perspective.
Overview and Significance
The Samaritans trace their origins to the ancient Kingdom of Israel, holding Mount Gerizim as their sacred place of worship. Unlike Judaism, which venerates Jerusalem, the Samaritan community has retained its own scriptures, rituals, and customs, deeply rooted in their version of the Hebrew Bible. The most important of these texts is the Samaritan Pentateuch, a version of the Torah that diverges in several key ways from the Jewish Masoretic Text, the foundation of most Jewish Bibles.
In Tradition Kept, Anderson and Giles delve into the Samaritan Pentateuch and other sacred Samaritan writings, such as the Book of Joshua, historical records, and liturgical poetry. The book is a comprehensive study of these texts, providing both historical context and religious insight. One of the most valuable contributions of the book is its focus on how the Samaritans have preserved their texts through the centuries, maintaining a distinct religious tradition amidst external pressures from both Judaism and Christianity.
Key Themes and Insights
Samaritan Pentateuch: One of the central features of the book is the Samaritan Pentateuch. Anderson and Giles examine the differences between this version of the Torah and the Jewish Masoretic Text, highlighting the theological and linguistic variations. These differences are not just textual but deeply connected to the Samaritan identity, emphasizing their belief in Mount Gerizim as the true holy site.
Literary Preservation: Another crucial theme of the book is the preservation of Samaritan literature. Despite centuries of external threats—whether from the surrounding Jewish and Christian communities or from the forces of history—the Samaritans have managed to keep their religious texts. This preservation is not merely an act of maintaining historical continuity but also a conscious effort to uphold a distinct identity and religious tradition.
Cultural Identity: Anderson and Giles also explore the broader cultural and religious practices of the Samaritans, from their festivals to their liturgical poetry. These practices, many of which are rooted in the ancient Hebrew tradition, provide further evidence of how the Samaritans have maintained a strong sense of identity through the centuries.
Mount Gerizim and Samaritan Theology: The connection to Mount Gerizim is pivotal in Samaritan belief. Anderson and Giles examine how this focus on Mount Gerizim shapes the Samaritan worldview, including their rituals, prayers, and religious observances. The contrast with the Jewish focus on Jerusalem offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse religious landscapes of ancient Israel.
Scholarly Approach
Anderson and Giles take a scholarly approach to the subject, blending textual analysis with historical context. They draw on a wealth of sources, including Samaritan manuscripts, modern scholarly work, and their own field research, to provide a well-rounded and nuanced view of the Samaritans and their literature. The writing is accessible to both scholars and general readers, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of ancient Israel, comparative religion, or the preservation of religious traditions.
Tradition Kept: The Literature of the Samaritans is an invaluable contribution to the study of ancient religious texts and practices. Anderson and Giles offer a detailed and accessible examination of Samaritan literature, shedding light on its significance in preserving an ancient tradition and providing unique insights into the religious and cultural diversity of ancient Israel. For those interested in the intersection of religion, history, and literature, this book is an essential read.
This review highlights the core themes of the book and provides an overview of its scholarly contributions. It emphasizes the importance of the Samaritan community and its unique literary heritage.