Seidl, Theodor2008-05-232008-05-232007Seidl, T 2007, 'Der "Moloch-Opferbrauch" ein "rite de passage?" Zur kontroversen Bewertung eines rätselhaften Ritus im Alten Testament', Old Testament Essays, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 432-455. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_oldtest.html]1010-9919http://hdl.handle.net/2263/5485The question which is addressed in this publication is whether the 'Moloch-sacrifice' can be classified as a 'rite de passage' (initiation and transition rite). Analogous to some African cultures, the idea often exists that Old Israel also must have had some rites linked to adolescence. In order to deal with this question, the author first of all investigates the relevant text passages in the Old Testament (B1). The 'Forschungsgeschichte' of the interpretation of this issue (B2) is scrutinised and some older and younger theories and arguments are revisited (B3). Some conclusions are reached with regard to the 'Moloch-texts' and their interpretational history (C).296383 bytesapplication/pdfdeOld Testament Society of South AfricaMoloch (Semitic deity)Initiation rites -- Palestine -- AntiquitiesInitiation rites in the Old TestamentArticle