The Avatar Faculty

Ecstatic Transformations in Religion and Video Games

Jeffrey G. Snodgrass

$157.95

Hardback

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English

University of California Press
10 April 2023

Religion: general; Ethnic studies; Anthropology; Psychology; Computer games: strategy guides

Series: Ethnographic Studies in Subjectivity

"The Avatar Faculty creatively examines the parallels between spiritual and digital activities to explore the roles that symbolic second selves—avatars—can play in our lives. The use of avatars can allow for what anthropologists call ecstasy, from the Greek ekstasis, meaning ""standing outside oneself."" The archaic techniques of promoting spiritual ecstasy, which remain central to religious healing traditions around the world, now also have contemporary analogues in virtual worlds found on the internet. In this innovative book, Jeffrey G. Snodgrass argues that avatars allow for the ecstatic projection of consciousness into alternate realities, potentially providing both the spiritually possessed and gamers access to superior secondary identities with elevated social standing. Even if only temporary, self-transformations of these kinds can help reduce psychosocial stress and positively impact health and well-being."

By: Jeffrey G. Snodgrass
Imprint: University of California Press
Country of Publication: United States
Volume: 16
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 499g
ISBN: 9780520384354
ISBN 10: 0520384350
Series: Ethnographic Studies in Subjectivity
Pages: 280
Publication Date: 10 April 2023
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Contents List of Illustrations Key Terms and Abbreviations Preface Central Characters and Settings Introduction 1 • Sacred and Secular Settings 2 • The Psychology of Avatar Therapeutics: Absorptive Experiences and Stress Relief 3 • The Psychosocial Dynamics of Avatar Therapeutics: Enhanced Self-Image and Elevated Social Standing 4 • Distinguishing Therapeutic from Toxic Avatar Experiences: Norm Conflicts and Felt Dissonance Conclusion Acknowledgments Appendix A. Chapter 2 Supplemental Material: Survey Methods and Results Appendix B. Chapter 3 Supplemental Materials: Survey Methods and Results Appendix C. Chapter 4 Supplemental Material: Survey Methods and Results Notes Glossary References Index

Jeffrey G. Snodgrass is Professor of Anthropology at Colorado State University.

Reviews for The Avatar Faculty: Ecstatic Transformations in Religion and Video Games

"""Scholars and social scientists of religion will find much of interest in this book, because it explores the increasingly uncertain borders of 'religion,' when secularization may be obscuring the meaning of the concept without actually satisfying the human need for sacred norms and profound meanings."" * Nova Religio *"

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The Avatar Faculty

Ecstatic Transformations in Religion and Video Games

Jeffrey G. Snodgrass

$157.95

Hardback

Reviews for The Avatar Faculty: Ecstatic Transformations in Religion and Video Games

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The Avatar Faculty

Ecstatic Transformations in Religion and Video Games

Jeffrey G. Snodgrass

$157.95

Hardback

Paperback

Reviews for The Avatar Faculty: Ecstatic Transformations in Religion and Video Games

See Also