A Theology of Carnival and other Provocations

Just mention the word, 'Carnival', and a host of negative comments ensue from puritan-minded churches and pastors relating to all the biblical vices of lust, lasciviousness, licentiousness, revelry, and debauchery. These are no doubt taken from the Pauline world-view of the then Roman Empire with its pagan rites of Bacchanalia, intended as actual worship of the god of wine, Bacchus. Many would agree with Reformed liturgical scholar, J.J.Von Allmen that Carnival in its very essence has not so muc