Middlebury

RELI 0373

Possessions

Possessions: Theories of Power in American Religion
Upon reading Faust, Karl Marx concluded that Goethe’s wisdom was simple: “the extent of the power of money is the extent of my power.” Or, in other words: money represents the power to possess a thing and, in possessing it, to wield that thing’s power. Despite this connection made at the roots of Western theories of power, we do not typically regard our possession of private property as akin to the Devil’s possession of human bodies. In this seminar we will explore the rich and troubling overlaps between private property, demonic possessions, mediumship, and power in the Americas. 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
Religion
Department:
Religion
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
AMR NOR PHL

Sections in Spring 2025

Spring 2025

RELI0373A-S25 Seminar (Doran)