Beyond the Written Word

The concept of scripture as written religious text is reexamined in this close analysis of the traditions of oral use of the sacred writings of religions around the world. Pointing out the central importance of the oral and aural experience of religious texts in the life of religious communities of both Eastern and Western cultures William Graham asserts the need for a new perspective on how scripture has been appropriated and used by the vast majority of all people who have been religious most of whom could neither read nor write.