Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Major/Program
Religious Studies
First Advisor's Name
Tudor Parfitt
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Oren Stier
Second Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Member
Third Advisor's Name
Erik Larson
Third Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Member
Keywords
Judaism, Noahidism, Noahides, B'nei Noach, Orthodox Judaism, New Religions Movements, Noah, Global Religious Movements, Chabad, New Religions
Date of Defense
3-21-2017
Abstract
This thesis investigates artifacts and concepts present in the Noahide world and how they affect Noahide identity. Five factors are analyzed, namely Noahide law, religious pluralism, ritual, sectarianism, and conversion. I consult the Hebrew Scriptures as well as early, medieval, and modern rabbinic sources to set the conceptual background of the Noahide movement before moving into the primary, contemporary sources written by Orthodox Jews, Orthodox rabbis, and Noahides. To supplement my literary analysis, I have conducted a survey of self-identifying Noahide practitioners. This survey collects data concerning religious background, religious behavior, demographics, and free responses. I aim to show first and foremost that Noahidism is a new, exclusive religious tradition which comprises the lay order of Orthodox Judaism. This is born out of a theology which requires belief in the Jewish God and Jewish revelation, a strict ritual system based on Orthodox Jewish prescriptions, and a sectarian typology which mirrors Orthodox Jewish sectarianism. Additionally, my analysis of conversion shows Noahidism is not a gateway to Orthodox conversion, but an end in itself.
Identifier
FIDC001820
Recommended Citation
Villalonga, Patrick J., "From the Fall to the Flood and Beyond: Navigating Identity in Contemporary Noahidism" (2017). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3127.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3127
Included in
Biblical Studies Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, Jewish Studies Commons, New Religious Movements Commons, Other Religion Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
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