History of religion Books

Book SynopsisAn English-language book of the library of fourth-century Gnostic manuscripts discovered in Egypt in 1945 which rivaled the Dead Sea Scrolls find in significance.

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Book SynopsisWitchcraft, astrology, divination and every kind of popular magic flourished in England during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, from the belief that a blessed amulet could prevent the assaults of the Devil to the use of the same charms to recover stolen goods. At the same time the Protestant Reformation attempted to take the magic out of religion, and scientists were developing new explanations of the universe. Keith Thomas''s classic analysis of beliefs held on every level of English society begins with the collapse of the medieval Church and ends with the changing intellectual atmosphere around 1700, when science and rationalism began to challenge the older systems of belief.Trade ReviewMonumental ... with a living treasure on each page, and probably the book that, in my whole life, I've pressed on other people most energetically. (Selected people, of course. They have to care for history, and they need a sense of wonder and a sense of fun.) -- Hilary Mantel * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisThe landmark study of world myth and cultureDraws on myths, rituals, totems and taboos of ancient European and primitive cultures throughout the world. The third edition of this monumental study of folklore, magic, and religion was abridged by the authour into this single volume in 1922.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Outcast from the Islands: Frazer, The Golden Bough and Modern AnthropologyPreface to the 1922 abridgementI. The King of the Wood1. Diana and Virbius2. Artemis and Hippolytus3. RecapitulationII. Priestly KingsIII. Sympathetic Magic1. The Principles of Magic2. Homoeopathic or Imitative Magic3. Contagious Magic4. The Magician's ProgressIV. Magic and ReligionV. The Magical Control of the Weather1. The Public Magician2. The Magical Control of Rain3. The Magical Control of the Sun4. The Magical Control of the WindVI. Magicians as KingsVII. Incarnate Human GodsVIII. Departmental Kings of NatureIX. The Worship of Trees1. Tree-spirits2. Beneficent Powers of Tree-spiritsX. Relics of Tree-worship in Modern EuropeXI. The Influence of the Sexes on VegetationXII. The Sacred Marriage1. Diana as a Goddess of Fertility2. The Marriage of the GodsXIII. The Kings of Rome and Alba1. Numa and Egeria2. The King as JupiterXIV. The Succession to the Kingdom in Ancient LatiumXV. The Worship of the OakXVI.Dianus and DianaXVII. The Burden of Royalty1. Royal and Priestly Taboos2. Divorce of the Spiritual from the Temporal PowerXVIII. The Perils of the Soul1. The Soul as a Mannikin2. Absence and Recall of the Soul3. The Soul as a Shadow and a ReflectionXIX. Tabooed Acts1. Taboos on Intercourse with Strangers2. Taboos on Eating and Drinking3. Taboos on Showing the Face4. Taboos on Quitting the House5. Taboos on Leaving Food OverXX. Tabooed Persons1. Chiefs and Kings Tabooed2. Mourners Tabooed3. Women Tabooed at Menstruation and Childbirth4. Warriors Tabooed5. Manslayers Tabooed6. Hunters and Fishers TabooedXXI. Tabooed Things1. The Meaning of Taboo2. Iron Tabooed3. Sharp Weapons Tabooed4. Blood Tabooed5. The Head Tabooed6. Hair Tabooed7. Ceremonies at Hair-cutting8. Disposal of Cut Hair and Nails9. Spittle Tabooed10. Foods Tabooed11. Knots and Rings TabooedXXII. Tabooed Words1. Personal Names Tabooed2. Names of Relations Tabooed3. Names of the Dead Tabooed4. Names of Kings and Other Sacred Persons Tabooed5. Names of Gods TabooedXXIII. Our Debt to the SavageXXIV. The Killing of the Divine King1. The Mortality of the Gods2. Kings Killed When Their Strength Fails3. Kings Killed at the End of a Fixed TermXXV. Temporary KingsXXVI. Sacrifice of the King's SonXXVII. Succession to the SoulXXVIII. The Killing of the Tree-spirit1. The Whitsuntide Mummers2. Burying the Carnival3. Carrying out Death4. Bringing in Summer5. Battle of Summer and Winter6. Death and Resurrection of Kostrubonko7. Death and Revival of Vegetation8. Analogous Rites in India9. The Magic SpringXXIX. The Myth of AdonisXXX. Adonis in SyriaXXXI. Adonis in CyprusXXXII. The Ritual of AdonisXXXIII. The Gardens of AdonisXXXIV. The Myth and Ritual of AttisXXXV. Attis as a God of VegetationXXXVI. Human Representatives of AttisXXXVII. Oriental Religions in the WestXXXVIII. The Myth of OsirisXXXIX. The Ritual of Osiris1. The Popular Rites2. The Official RitesXL. The Nature of Osiris1. Osiris a Corn-god2. Osiris a Tree-spirit3. Osiris a God of Fertility4. Osiris a God of the DeadXLI. IsisXLII. Osiris and the SunXLIII. DionysusXLIV. Demeter and PersephoneXLV. The Corn-mother and the Corn-maiden in Northern EuropeXLVI. The Corn-mother in Many Lands1. The Corn-mother in America2. The Rice-mother in the East Indies3. The Spirit of the Corn Embodied in Human Beings4. The Double Personification of the Corn as Mother and DaughterXLVII. Lityerses1. Songs of the Corn-reapers2. Killing the Corn-spirit3. Human Sacrifices for the Crops4. The Corn-spirit Slain in his Human RepresentativesXLVIII. The Corn-spirit as an Animal1. Animal Embodiments of the Corn-spirit2. The Corn-spirit as a Wolf or a Dog3. The Corn-spirit as a Cock4. The Corn-spirit as a Hare5. The Corn-spirit as a Cat6. The Corn-spirit as a Goat7. The Corn-spirit as a Bull, Cow, or Ox8. The Corn-spirit as a Horse or Mare9. The Corn-spirit as a Pig (Boar or Sow)10. On the Animal Embodiments of the Corn-spiritXLIX. Ancient Deities of Vegetation as Animals1. Dionysus, the Goat and the Bull2. Demeter, the Pig and the Horse3. Attis, Adonis, and the Pig4. Osiris, the Pig and the Bull5. Virbius and the HorseL. Eating the God1. The Sacrament of First-fruits2. Eating the God among the Aztecs3. Many Manii at AriciaLI. Homoeopathic Magic of a Flesh DietLII. Killing the Divine Animal1. Killing the Sacred Buzzard2. Killing the Sacred Ram3. Killing the Sacred Serpent4. Killing the Sacred Turtles5. Killing the Sacred BearLIII. The Propitiation of Wild Animals by HuntersLIV. Types of Animal Sacrament1. The Egyptian and the Aino Types of Sacrament2. Processions with Sacred AnimalsLV. The Transference of Evil1. The Transference to Inanimate Objects2. The Transference to Animals3. The Transference to Men4. The Transference of Evil in EuropeLVI. The Public Expulsion of Evils1. The Omnipresence of Demons2. The Occasional Expulsion of Evils3. The Periodic Expulsion of EvilsLVII. Public Scapegoats1. The Expulsion of Embodied Evils2. The Occasional Expulsion of Evils in a Material Vehicle3. The Periodic Expulsion of Evils in a Material Vehicle4. On Scapegoats in GeneralLVIII. Human Scapegoats in Classical Antiquity1. The Human Scapegoat in Ancient Rome2. The Human Scapegoat in Ancient Greece3. The Roman SaturnaliaLIX. Killing the God in MexicoLX. Between Heaven and Earth1. Not to Touch the Earth2. Not to See the Sun3. The Seclusion of Girls at Puberty4. Reasons for the Seclusion of Girls at PubertyLXI. The Myth of BalderLXII. The Fire-festivals of Europe1. The Fire-festivals in General2. The Lenten Fires3. The Easter Fires4. The Beltane Fires5. The Midsummer Fires6. The Hallowe'en Fires7. The Midwinter Fires8. The Need-fireLXIII. The Interpretation of the Fire-festivals1. On the Fire-festivals in General2. The Solar Theory of the Fire-festivals3. The Purifactory Theory of the Fire-festivalsLXIV. The Burning of Human Beings in the Fires1. The Burning of Effigies in the Fires2. The Burning of Men and Animals in the FiresLXV. Balder and the MistletoeLXVI. The External Soul in Folk-talesLXVII. The External Soul in Folk-custom1. The External Soul in Inanimate Things2. The External Soul in Plants3. The External Soul in Animals4. The Ritual of Death and ResurrectionLXVIII. The Golden BoughLXIX. Farewell to NemiIndex

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Book SynopsisExamines the beginning of the Christian movement during the first centureis AD, and the explosive force of its expansion throughout the Roman world.Table of ContentsPart 1 From Jerusalem to Rome: the Jewish background; the earliest church; the Gentile Church; encounter with the Roman empire. Part 2 Faith and order: the bonds of unity; gnosticism; the ministry and the Bible; forms of the ministry. Part 3 Expansion and growth: causes of success; the geographical extension of the Church; the defence of the faith. Part 4 Justin and Irenaeus: Justin Martyr; Irenaeus. Part 5 Easter, the monarchian controversy, and tertullian: Easter; the monarchian controversy; tertullian. Part 6 Clement of Alexandria and Origen: Clement of Alexandria; Origen. Part 7 Church, state and society in the 3rd century: the pagan revival and the persecution of Decius; Cyprian; the great persecution and its consequences. Part 8 Constantine and the council of Nicaea. Part 9 The Arian controversy after the council of Nicaea: from Nicaea to the death of Constantine; the Church under the sons of Constantine; from Julian to Theodosius I. Part 10 The conflict of paganism and Christianity in the 4th century. Part 11 Church, state and society from Julian to Theodosius. Part 12 The ascetic movement. Part 13 The controversy about Origen and the tragedy of John Chrysostom. Part 14 The problem of the person of Christ: Diodore, Theodore, and Apollinaris; Cyril and Nestorius; the "Monophysite" council of Ephesus and reaction at Chalcedon; the search for reconciliation; the doctrine of one will. Part 15 The development of Latin Christian thought: Jerome and the beginnings of maturity; the conversion of Augustine; the Donatist schism and the problem of coercion; "The City of God" and the Pelagian controversy; the holy trinity. Part 16 The papacy. Part 17 The Church and the Barbarians. Part 18 Worship and art: liturgy; daily offices; early Church music; Christian art.

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Book Synopsis''A masterpiece ... In its field it is the best book ever'' GuardianWinner of the Wolfson Prize for history, Reformation: Europe''s House Divided 1490-1700 charts a seismic shift in European culture that marked the beginning of the modern world. At a time when men and women were prepared to kill - and be killed - for their faith, the Reformation tore the western world apart. Acclaimed as the definitive account of these epochal events, Diarmaid MacCulloch''s history brilliantly re-creates the religious battles of priests, monarchs, scholars and politicians, from the zealous Martin Luther nailing his Theses to the door of a Wittenburg church to the radical Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order; from Thomas Cranmer, martyred for his reforms, to the ambitious Philip II, unwavering in his campaign against Europe''s ''heretics''. Weaving together the many strands of Reformation and Counter-Reformation, ranging widely across Europe and even to the new world, MacCulloch also reveals as never before how these upheavals affected everyday lives - overturning ideas of love, sex, death and the supernatural, and shaping the modern age. ''Magisterial and eloquent''  David Starkey ''A triumph of human sympathy''  Blair Worden, Sunday Telegraph ''From politics to witchcraft, from the liturgy to sex; the sweep of European history covered here is breathtakingly panoramic. This is a model work of history''  Noel Malcolm, Sunday Telegraph Books of the Year ''Monumental ... Reformation is set to become a landmark''  Lisa Jardine, Observer Diarmaid MacCulloch is Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University. His Thomas Cranmer won the Whitbread Biography Prize, the James Tait Black Prize and the Duff Cooper Prize. He is also the author of A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years.

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Book SynopsisBorn in the Castilian town of Avila in 1515, Teresa entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation when she was twenty-one. Tormented by illness, doubts and self-recrimination, she gradually came to recognize the power of prayer and contemplation—her spiritual enlightenment was intensified by many visions and mystical experiences, including the piercing of her heart by a spear of divine love. She went on to found seventeen Carmelite monasteries throughout Spain. Teresa always denied her own saintliness, however, saying in a letter: There is no suggestion of that nonsense about my supposed sanctity. This frank account is one of the great stories of a religious life and a literary masterpiece—after Don Quixote, it is Spain's most widely read prose classic.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best Table of ContentsThe Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself - Translated with an Introduction by J. M. Cohen Introduction[The Saint's Prepatory Note]1. How the Lord began to rouse her soul in childhood to a love of virtue, and what a help it is in this respect to have good parents2. How she came gradually to lose these virtues, and of the importance of associating in childhood with good people*3. How good company reawakened her desires, and how God began to shed some light for her on the illusions under which she laboured*4. How the Lord helped her to force herself to take the habit, and of the many illnesses which His Majesty began to send her*5. She continues to speak of the great infirmities that she suffered, of the patience which the Lord gave her, and of how she derived good out of evil, as will be seen from one incident which happened in the town where she went to be cured*6. Of her great debts to the Lord for making her resigned to her great trials, of how she took St. Joseph, the glorious, as her mediator and advocate, and of the great profit that she derived from this *7. How she began to lose the graces the Lord had given her, and of the evil life she began to lead. A description of the dangers arising from the lack of strict enclosure in convents*8. Of the great profit that she derived from not entirely abandoning prayer, for fear that she might lose her soul. She describes the excellence of prayer as a help towards winning back what is lost, and exhorts everyone to practise it. She tells what great gains it brings and how very beneficial it is even for those who may later give it up, to devote some time to anything as good*9. Of the means by which God began to rouse her soul, to give it light in its great darkness, and to strengthen her virtues, so that she should not offend Him*10. She begins to explain the favours which God gave her in prayer, telling the extent to which we can help ourselves, and how important it is that we shall understand the favours God is granting us. She begs those to whom this book is to be sent to keep the rest of it secret, since they have ordered her to describe in detail the favours that she has received from God*11. She explains why we cannot attain the perfect love of God in a short time, beginning with a comparison which sets out the four stages of prayer. Here she says something about the first, which is very profitable for beginners and for those who receive no consolations in prayer*12. More about the first state. She tells how far we can, with God's help, progress by ourselves, and speaks of the danger of seeking supernatural and extraordinary experiences until the Lord bestows them on us*13. She continues to speak of this first stage, and gives advice concerning certain temptations that the devil sends at times. This chapter is very useful*14. She begins to explain the second stage of prayer, in which the Lord already grants the soul more special consolations. These she describes in order to show that they are supernatural, and this is a most noteworthy chapter*15. Continuing the same subject, she gives certain advice on behaviour during the prayer of quiet. She tells how there are as many souls that advance to this stage, but few who pass beyond it. The matters touched upon here are most essential and profitable*16. She treats of the third stage of prayer, and continues to explain things of a very lofty nature, telling what the soul that has come so far can do, and what are the effects of such great favours from the Lord. This is a subject most likely to uplift the spirit in God's praise, and to give great comfort to those who have come so far*17. She continues to explain the third stage of prayer, and completes her account of its effects. She tells of the hindrances caused in this state by the imagination and the memory*18. She treats of the fourth stage of prayer, and begins an excellent explanation of the great dignity to which the Lord raises the soul in this state. This is meant to spur those who practise prayer to make efforts to reach this exalted state, which it is possible to attain on earth, though not through our merits, but only by the goodness of God. This chapter must be read with great care, since the argument is most subtle, and contains some most noteworthy observations*19. Continuing the same subjecct, she begins to describe the effects upon the soul of this stage of prayer. She earnestly exhorts those who have attained it not to turn back, even if they should afterwards fall, nor ever to give up prayer. She describes the harm that they would suffer if they did so. All this is most noteworthy and will be of great comfort to the weak and to sinners*20. She treats of the difference between union and rapture, and explains what a rapture is. She also says something about the good that a soul derives from being, by the Lord's goodness, brought to it. She speaks of its effects*21. She continues and concludes her account of this last stage of prayer, telling what the soul who has reached it feels when it returns to live in the world. She describes the light God throws on the world's deceits. All of this is good doctrine*22. She shows how safe a path it is for contemplatives not to raise their spirits to lofty things, and how the approach to the most exalted contemplation must be by way of Christ's humanity. She tells of an incident in which she was herself deceived. This is a very profitable chapter*23. She returns to the history of her life, and tells how she began to strive for greater perfection. This is profitable matter for those who have to direct souls engaged in the practice of prayer, and teaches them how to deal with beginners. She tells of the profit that she derived from this knowledge*24. She continues the same subject and tells how her soul went on improving, once she had begun to obey; also how little use it was for her to resist God's favours, since His Majesty went on giving them to her in more liberal measure*25. She treats of the means and manner whereby these words that God speaks to the soul are perceived without being actually heard, and of some possible descriptions in regard to them. She tells how false locutions are to be distinguished from true. This is a most profitable chapter for any who may have reached this stage of prayer, because the explanation is very clear and contains much teaching *26. She continues with the same subject, relating and describing certain events which rid her of her fears, and convinced her that the spirit which spoke to her was a good one*27. She describes another way in which the Lord teaches the soul and, without speech, makes His will known to it in a wondrous manner. She also speaks of a vision and of a great favour, which was not imaginary, that the Lord granted her. This is a most noteworthy chapter*28. She tells of the great favours that the Lord bestowed on her, and of His first appearance to her. She defines an imaginary vision, and speaks of the great effects and signs produced by one that is from God. This is a most profitable and noteworthy chapter*29. She continues, and describes some great favours which the Lord showed her, relating also what the Lord said to her, to reassure her and enable her to answer those who argued against her*30. She returns to the story o her life, and tells how the Lord greatly relieved her trials by bringing her a visit from that holy man, Friar Peter of Alcantara of the Order of the glorious St. Francis. She speaks of the great temptations and inner trials which she sometimes suffered*31. She speaks of certain outward temptations and appearances of the devil, and of the torments which she suffered from him, and also offers some excellent counsel to persons travelling the way of perfection*32. She tells how it pleased God to carry her in the spirit to a place in hell that she had deserved for her sins. She describes a tithe of what was shown her there, and begins to tell of the ways and means by which the convent of St. Joseph was founded on its present site*33. She continues her account of the foundation of the glorious St. Joseph's, telling how she was commanded to let it drop, how for a time she gave it up, and how she suffered various trials in the course of which she was comforted by the Lord*34. She tells how at this time she had to leave the town. She gives the reasons and tells of her superior's command that she should go and comfort a very great lady who was in serious distress. She begins to describe what happened to her there, and to tell how the Lord in His mercy made her the instrument whereby His Majesty roused a very important person to serve him in earnest, also to say how she afterwards found help and protection from Him. This is a very noteworthy chapter*35. She continues the story of the foundation of this house of our glorious father, St. Joseph, and of the way in which the Lord ordained that holy poverty should be observed there. She gives her reasons for leaving the lady with whom she was living, and describes several other things that happened to her*36. She continues with the previous subject, and describes ho the foundation of this convent of the glorious St. Joseph was concluded. She speaks of the great opposition and many persecutions which the nuns had to endure after taking the habit, of the great trials and temptations which she herself underwent, and of how the Lord delivered her victoriously from them all, to His own praise and glory*37. She describes the effects that remained with her after the Lord had granted her a favour, and gives much sound teaching as well. She speaks of the efforts that we must make to attain one more degree of glory, and of the high value we must set on it, allowing no trial to deprive us of a blessing that is eternal*38. She describes certain great favours that the Lord bestowed on her, by graciously revealing to her some of the secrets of heaven, and by vouchsafing her further great visions and revelations. She speaks of the effects which these had upon her and of the great benefit that they did to her soul*39. She continues with the same subject, and recounts the great mercies which the Lord has shown her. She tells of His promises to help those persons for whom she might pray, and some outstanding instances in which his Majesty has favoured her in this way*40. She continues her account of the great favours that God granted her, from some of which excellent lessons can be obtained. For instruction, as she says, after obedience and the recording of such favours as will be of profit to souls, has been her principal motive in writing. With this chapter the account of her life comes to an end. May it be for the glory of the Lord. Amen

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Book SynopsisThe writings in this volume cast a glimmer of light upon the emerging traditions and organization of the infant church, during an otherwise little-known period of its development. A selection of letters and small-scale theological treatises from a group known as the Apostolic Fathers, several of whom were probably disciples of the Apostles, they provide a first-hand account of the early Church and outline a form of early Christianity still drawing on the theology and traditions of its parent religion, Judaism. Included here are the first Epistle of Bishop Clement of Rome, an impassioned plea for harmony; The Epistle of Polycarp; The Epistle of Barnabas; The Didache; and the Seven Epistles written by Ignatius of Antioch—among them his moving appeal to the Romans that they grant him a martyr's death.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics repreTable of ContentsTranslated by Maxwell StaniforthRevised Translation, Introductions and New Editorial Material by Andrew LouthGeneral IntroductionGeneral BibliographyNote on the TextThe First Epistle of Clement to the CorinthiansThe Epistles of IgnatiusTo the EphesiansTo the MagnesiansTo the TralliansTo the RomansTo the PhiladelphiansTo the SmyrnaeansTo the PolycarpThe Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians and The Martyrdom of PolycarpThe Epistle to DiognetusThe Epistle of BarnabasThe DidacheMap of Ignatius's route

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Book Synopsis'With God's help, I, Bede ... have assembled these facts about the history of the Church in Britain ... from the traditions of our forebears, and from my own personal knowledge'Written in AD 731, Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People is the first account of Anglo-Saxon England ever written, and remains our single most valuable source for this period. It begins with Julius Caesar's invasion in the first century BC and goes on to tell of the kings and bishops, monks and nuns who helped to develop government and convert the people to Christianity during these crucial formative years. Relating the deeds of great men and women but also describing landscape, customs and ordinary lives, this is a rich, vivid portrait of an emerging church and nation by the 'Father of English History'.Leo Sherley-Price's translation from the Latin brings us an accurate and readable version of Bede's History. This edition includes Bede's Letter to EgTable of ContentsBook one: the situation of Britain and Ireland - their earliest inhabitants; on Gaius Julius Caesar, the first Roman to reach Britain; Claudius - the second Roman to reach Britain - annexes the Isles of Orkney to the Roman Empire - under his direction Vespasian subdues the Isle of Wight; Lucius - a British king - writes to Pope Eleutherus and asks to be made a Christian; Severus divides Roman Britain from the rest by an earth work; the reign of Diocletian - his persecution of the Christian Church; the martyrdom of Saint Alban and his companions - who shed their life-blood for Christ at this time; the Church in Britain enjoys peace from the end of this persecution until the time of the Arian heresy; during the reign of Gratian - Maximus is created Emperor in Britain and returns to Gaul with a large army; during the reign of Arcadius - the Briton Pelagius presumptuously belittles the grace of God; during the reign of Honorius - Gratian and Constantine set up as despots in Britain - the former is killed shortly afterwards in Britain - the latter in Gaul; the Britons - harassed by the Irish and Picts - seek help from the Romans - who come and build a second wall across the island - notwithstanding, these enemies again break in and reduce the Britons to worse straits; during the reign of Theodosius the Younger - Palladius is sent to the Christians among the Irish - the Britons make an unsuccessful appeal to the Consul Aetius; the Britons made desperate by famine drive the Barbarians out of their land - there soon follows an abundance of corn - luxury - plague - and doom on the nation. (Part contents)

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Book SynopsisThe Desert Fathers were the first Christian monks, living in solitude in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, and Syria. In contrast to the formalised and official theology of the founding fathers of the church, the Desert Fathers were ordinary Christians who chose to renounce the world and live lives of celibacy, fasting, vigil, prayer and poverty in direct and simple response to the gospel. Their sayings were first recorded in the 4th century and consist of spiritual advice, anecdotes and parables. The Desert Fathers'' teachings and lives have inspired poetry, opera and art, as well as providing spiritual nourishment and a template for monastic life.Table of ContentsThe Desert FathersIntroductionFurther ReadingA Note on the Text1. Progress in Perfection2. Quiet3. Compunction4. Self-Control5. Lust6. Possessing Nothing7. Fortitude8. Nothing Done for Show9. Non-Judgement10. Discretion11. Sober Living12. Unceasing Prayer13. Hospitality14. Obedience15. Humility16. Patience17. Charity18. VisionsSome Names from the Text

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Book SynopsisOne of a major new Classics series - books that have changed the history of thought, in sumptuous, clothbound hardbacks.The son of a pagan father and a Christian mother, Saint Augustine spent his early years torn between conflicting faiths and world views. His Confessions, written when he was in his forties, recount how, slowly and painfully, he came to turn away from his youthful ideas and licentious lifestyle, to become instead a staunch advocate of Christianity and one of its most influential thinkers. A remarkably honest and revealing spiritual autobiography, the Confessions also address fundamental issues of Christian doctrine, and many of the prayers and meditations it includes are still an integral part of the practice of Christianity today.

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Book SynopsisMark Greengrass''s gripping, major, original account of Europe in an era of tumultuous changeSUNDAY TIMES and FINANCIAL TIMES Books of the Year 2014This addition to the landmark Penguin History of Europe series is a fascinating study of 16th and 17th century Europe and the fundamental changes which led to the collapse of Christendom and established the geographical and political frameworks of Western Europe as we know it. From peasants to princes, no one was untouched by the spiritual and intellectual upheaval of this era. Martin Luther''s challenge to church authority forced Christians to examine their beliefs in ways that shook the foundations of their religion. The subsequent divisions, fed by dynastic rivalries and military changes, fundamentally altered the relations between ruler and ruled. Geographical and scientific discoveries challenged the unity of Christendom as a belief-community. Europe, with all its divisions, emergeTrade ReviewMark Greengrass succeeds brilliantly in bringing to life a vanished world that is consistently strange and surprising-and sometimes disturbing and repellent-even as he encourages us to recognise the ways in which it prefigures our own -- Peter Marshall * Literary Review *The Penguin History of Europe series ... is one of contemporary publishing's great projects * New Statesman *

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Book Synopsis''This is a brilliant, shocking book ... also witty, painfully self-critical and humane ... it is a work of great literature'' Tim Whitmarsh, Guardian ''The Kingdom, already a huge bestseller in France, is thrilling, magnificent and strange'' Bryan Appleyard, Sunday TimesThe sensational international bestseller from one of France''s most fêted writers - an epic novel telling the story of Christianity as it has never been told before, and one man''s crisis of faith.Corinth, ancient Greece, two thousand years ago. An itinerant preacher, poor, wracked by illness, tells the story of a prophet who was crucified in Judea, who came back from the dead, and whose return is a sign of something enormous. Like a contagion, the story will spread over the city, the country and, eventually, the world. Emmanuel Carrère''s astonishing historical epic tells the story of the mysterious beginnings of Christianity, bringing to life a distant, primTrade ReviewBrilliant, shocking... also witty, painfully self-critical and humane... it is a work of great literature -- Tim Whitmarsh * Guardian *Emmanuel Carrère is said by many to be one of the best writers in France, if not Europe... The Kingdom, a huge bestseller in France, is thrilling, magnificent and strange -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *An utterly brilliant book... Carrère is a vivid guide and a knowledgeable one -- Catherine Nixey * The Times *A novelised memoir that vividly captures the drama of the Christian experience... A celebration of religious imagination - Catholic, French, Judaic, Hellenic - The Kingdom has been a runaway bestseller in France. In Britain, it may succeed as a relief and an antidote -- John Cornwell * Financial Times *There are few great writers in France today, and Emmanuel Carrère is one of them * Paris Review *

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Book SynopsisThe Western Esoteric Traditions offers a concise history of a distinct form of philosophical spirituality extending from Hermeticism, Neo-Platonism, and Gnosticism in the early Christian era up until the present. New paradigms in medicine and science attest to the continuity of esoteric ideas into the twenty-first century.Trade Reviewa useful introduction to a wide range of esoteric traditions and an important reminder that orthodoxy is not the only story. * Charlotte Methuen. The Journal of Theological Studies *In his ground-breaking work Professor Goodrcik-Clarke summarizes a huge amount of research into esoteric literature across more than two millennia * Christopher Moody. Theology *Table of Contents1. Ancient Hellenistic Sources of Western Esotericism ; 2. Italian Renaissance Magic and Kabbalah ; 3. Planetary and Angel Magic in the Renaissance ; 4. Alchemy, Paracelsus and German Naturphilosophie ; 5. Jacob Boehme and Theosophy ; 6. Rosicrucianism ; 7. High-Grade Freemasonry and Illuminism in the 18th Century ; 8. Emanuel Swedenborg ; 9. Mesmerism and Spiritualism ; 10. Ritual Magic from 1850 to the Present ; 11. Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society ; 12. Modern Esotericism and New Paradigms

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Book SynopsisThis English-language edition of Walter Bauer's "Worterbuch zu den Schriften des Neuen Testaments" includes entries for many more words and over 25,000 additional references to classical, intertestamental, early Christian and modern literature.

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Book SynopsisJohn Boswell's National Book Award-winning study of the history of attitudes toward homosexuality in the early Christian West was a groundbreaking work that challenged preconceptions about the Church's past relationship to its gay members-among them priests, bishops, and even saints-when it was first published thirty-five years ago. The historical breadth of Boswell's research (from the Greeks to Aquinas) and the variety of sources consulted make this one of the most extensive treatments of any single aspect of Western social history. Now in this thirty-fifth anniversary edition with a new foreword by leading queer and religious studies scholar Mark D. Jordan, Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality is still fiercely relevant. This landmark book helped form the disciplines of gay and gender studies, and it continues to illuminate the origins and operations of intolerance as a social force.

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Book SynopsisThe third volume of Steven Runciman''s classic, hugely influential trilogy on the history of the Crusades''The whole tale is one of faith and folly, courage and greed, hope and disillusion''Steven Runciman''s triumphant three-volume A History of the Crusades remains an unsurpassed account of the events that changed the world and continue to resonate today. This final volume of the trilogy begins with the glamorous Third Crusade and ends with the ruinous collapse of the crusader states and the degeneration of their ideals, which reached its nadir in the tragic destruction of Byzantium. ''When historical events are written about with this sort of command, they take on not only the universality of a fairy tale but also a certain moral weight. Runciman writes both seductively and instructively about the dignity and beauty of different religious beliefs and about the difficulties of their co-existence'' Independent

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Book SynopsisJohn Bowker was Dean of Trinity College, Cambridge from 1984 to 1991 and is currently a Fellow of Gresham College, London and Honorary Canon of Canterbury Cathedral. He is also Adjunct Professor of Religion at North Carolina State University. Professor Bowker's many books include the DK titles God: A Brief History and The Complete Bible Handbook. He lives in Cambridge.

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Book SynopsisAn examination of the rise of Islam, the life of Muhammad, and the Islamic principles of faith. Jonathan Bloom and Sheila Blair describe the golden age of the Abbasids, the Mongol invasions, and the great Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires that emerged in their wake.Trade Review“A timely study and important background to understanding the faith of more than one-fifth of the world’s population today.”—John L. Esposito, University Professor, Georgetown University and author of Islam: The Straight Path and editor of The Oxford History of Islam

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Book Synopsis* A reissue of the vivid, compellingly researched biography of one of history's most celebrated martyrs - translator of the Bible William Tyndale, published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible

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Book SynopsisReza Aslan is an internationally acclaimed writer and scholar of religions. He is also a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. At Harvard, Aslan was elected president of Harvard's chapter of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, a UN organisation committed to global understanding. His is first book, No god but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam, has been translated into thirteen languages and named by Blackwells as one of the hundred most important books of the last decade. Currently teaching an introductory course on Islam at Iowa, Aslan is also at work on a novel.Trade ReviewA brief and lively history... Extraordinary. -- Alexander Waugh * Spectator *Aslan turns Genesis on its head. The extent of our divine anthropomorphism is fascinating. As an introductory biography of a figure who has good claim to be called the most influential of all time, it is interesting indeed. -- Catherine Nixey * The Sunday Times *Timely, riveting, enlightening and necessary. * Huffington Post *[Aslan’s] slim, yet ambitious book [is] the story of how humans have created God with a capital G, and it’s thoroughly mind-blowing. * Los Angeles Review of Books *Reza Aslan offers so much to relish in his excellent ‘Human History’ of God. In tracing the commonalities that unite religions, Aslan makes truly challenging arguments that believers in many traditions will want to explore further, and to mull over. This rewarding book is very ambitious in its scope, and it is thoroughly grounded in an impressive body of reading and research. * Philip Jenkins, author of Crucible of Faith *

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Book SynopsisDom Gregory Dix (1901 1952) was an English monk and priest of Nashdom Abbey, UK.Trade ReviewLiturgy, for Dom Gregory Dix, is no branch of archaeological study; it is in all its stages and forms the living Body of Christ upon earth. His account of it is alive and absorbing. * Church Times *The Shape of the Liturgy changes not only the shape of liturgical study but also profoundly influenced worship itself. Half a century after its publication we are, perhaps, beginning to discover the debt we owe to Dom Gregory Dix. * Simon Bailey, Biographer *This 764 page work was first published in 1945 and has had seven reprintings, the latest being in 2015. This latest edition has been cited 558 times (Google Scholar). … The book is well worth reading. -- Winifred Whelan, St. Bonaventure University (emerita), USA * Catholic Books Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction. The Purpose of this Essay I. The Liturgy and the Eucharistic Action II. The Performance of the Liturgy III. the Classical Shape of the Liturgy - I IV. Eucharist and Lord's Supper V. The Classical Shape of the Liturgy - II VI. The Pre-Nicene Background of the Liturgy VII. The Eucharistic Prayer VIII. Behind the Local Traditions IX. The Meaning of the Eucharist X. The Theology of Consecration XI. The Sanctification of Time XII. The Development of Ceremonial XIII. The Completion of the Shape of the Liturgy XIV. Variable Prayers at the Eucharist XV. The Mediaeval Development XVI. The Reformation and the Anglican Liturgy XVII. 'Throughout All Ages, World Without End' Index

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Book SynopsisCompletely revised, re-illustrated and enlarged edition of the authoritative and classic Lion Handbook: History of Christianity, with new maps, study questions and other aids to study.Trade Review“This fine handbook… with its charts, maps, diagrams and colour illustrations, will help readers through the maze of complex Christian history.” * The New York Times *“If you have only one church history book, this should be it.” * Christianity Today *“This is a book whose honesty, scholarship, and general attractiveness commend it even to the non-religious reader.” * Publishers Weekly *Table of ContentsContentSContributors 10List of maps 13List of time charts 14List of illustrations/photographs 15Preface 18Preface to the Revised Edition 19Part 1: Beginnings ad 1–325 231. Jesus: His life, ministry, death and its consequences 24The Thought-world of Early Christianity 272. The Church Begins: From Jerusalem to Rome 35Peter 36Paul 403. Establishing Christianity: Challenges to the New Faith 46The Religions of the Romans 48Marcion 50Tertullian 51Origen 534. Spreading the Good News: How and why Christianity expanded 585. Archaeology and Earliest Christianity: What archaeologists can – and cannot – illuminate 636. What the First Christians Believed: The faith is defined 67The Gnostics 68Eusebius: ‘Father of Church History’ 75Clement of Rome 76Justin Martyr: Christian apologist 77Ignatius of Antioch 79Irenaeus 80Baptism 84Cyprian of Carthage 88The Manichaeans 917. How the First Christians Worshipped 92How the New Testament Came Down to Us 98The Early Church Recognizes the New Testament 101Study questions 102Part 2. A cceptance and Conquest: ad 325–600 1038. Constantine and the Christian Empire: Christianity recognized 104Ambrose of Milan 1129. Councils and Creeds: Defining and defending the faith 117Athanasius 121Basil the Great 129Nestorius 134Cyril of Alexandria 135Leo the Great 13610. Buildings and Belief: Early church structures 14011. Worship and the Christian Year: The making of the Christian Calendar 14312. Clergy, Bishops, and Pope: The church builds an organisation 14813. The Church in North Africa: The making of a distinctive tradition 153Augustine of Hippo 15414. The Fall of the Roman Empire: How and why it came to an end 160Jerome 162Boethius 16815. Ascetics and Monks: The rise of Christian monasticism 169Cassiodorus 174Patrick: Missionary to the Irish 176Columba: Celtic missionary 177Study questions 182 Part 3: A Christian Society: ad 600–1500 18316. The West in Crisis 184Gregory the Great 185Alcuin 19417. The Eastern Church 202John Chrysostom: master preacher 206Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite 207The Paulicians and the Bogomils 21218. Flowering: the Western Church: Reform and resurgence 215Thomas Becket 217Pope Innocent III 219Bernard of Clairvaux 222Francis of Assisi 223The Waldensians 235The Sacraments in Medieval Europe 242Anselm 244Peter Abelard 245Introduction to The History of Christianity 7Thomas Aquinas 250Popular Religion 25619. Monasticism in the West 258Interpreting the Bible in the Middle Ages 26720. The Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe and Russia 269The Slavic Bible 27021. An Age of Unrest: The Western Church in the Late Middle Ages 275Jan Hus 281Savonarola 284John Wyclif 287William of Ockham 289Study questions 292 Part 4: R eform and Renewal: 1500–1650 29322. Seeds of Renewal: The origins of the Reformation 29423. Reformation 304Martin Luther 304John Calvin 306The Faith of the Protestants 310Philipp Melanchthon 312Huldrych Zwingli 315Theodore Beza 316Martin Bucer 321Thomas Cranmer 322Puritans and Separatists 323Post-Reformation Church Architecture 324The Unitarians 32624. A Flood of Bibles: Scripture in the vernacular 329William Tyndale and the English Bible 33125. The Radical Reformation: the Anabaptists 334The First English Baptists 338John Bunyan 33926. The Catholic Reformation 341Gasparo Contarini 342Ignatius of Loyola 347The Jesuits 350Teresa of Avila 354John of the Cross 355George Fox and the Quakers 35927. Art and the Spirit: Christianity and its cultural expression 361Study questions 366 Part 5: R eason, Revival, and Revolution 1650–1789 36728. Expansion Worldwide: European missions 368The First English Missions 38129. Awakening: The Evangelical Revival and the Great Awakening 386Jonathan Edwards 390George Whitefield 391Philipp Spener 393Nikolaus von Zinzendorf 394John and Charles Wesley 397Hymns and Church Music 403Christianity and the Rise of Modern Science 40630. Reason and Unreason: The rise of rationalism 408Blaise Pascal 409The Reasonableness of Christianity 41831. The Russian Church: 1500–1900 420Study questions 424 Part 6: C ities and Empires 1789–1914 42532. Europe in Revolt: Church and State in the Nineteenth Century 426Pope Pius IX 43333. The First Industrial Nation: The Industrial Revolution and the British Churches 440William Wilberforce 447The Oxford Movement 450The Brethren 452C. H. Spurgeon: ‘Prince of Preachers’ 453John Henry Newman 455The Evangelicals 45734. A Crusade Among Equals: Revivalism, Abolition, and Evangelism in the USA 459D. L. Moody: Mass evangelist 460Hymns and Church Music after 1800 46335. A World Come of Age: Science and philosophy challenge Christianity 465Friedrich Schleiermacher 46836. Outposts of Empire: The nineteenth-century missionary explosion 472William Carey 475The Bible Societies 476David Livingstone 484Hudson Taylor 487Introduction to The History of Christianity 9Samuel Ajayi Crowther 489Study questions 494 Part 7: A Century of Conflict 1914–2001 49537. An Age of Ideology: nationalism, Communism, and individualism take onChristianity 496The Christian Church and the Jews 504Billy Graham 514Martin Luther King 521Christians, War, and Peace 52438. An Age of Anxiety: Theological thinking in troubled era 526Albert Schweitzer 527Dietrich Bonhoeffer 53539. Pentecostalism and the Charismatic Movement 550African Independent Churches 55440. The Arts in the Christian West 557C. S. Lewis 55941. Organizing for Unity 561Pope John XXIII 56342. An Age of Liberation 565Hélder Câmara 570Study questions 576Part 8: Ep ilogue: A New Millennium 57743. Present and Future: The church in an ever-changing world 578Further Resources on the History of Christianity 590Glossary 591Index 607

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Book SynopsisA 'big' book with a bold new idea: Paul's gospel with its inclusion of the Gentiles directly relates to the salvation of Israel promised in the Hebrew Bible. Providing a better understanding of the 'parting of the ways' between Christianity and Judaism, the book boldly transforms understandings of Christian origins.Trade Review'Staples urges his novel interpretation of Paul with energy, patience, and conviction - leavened periodically with both wit and humor. His work puts a challenge to most current Pauline scholarship of whatever persuasion. It is a fitting follow up to The Idea of Israel, in many ways Part II: Paul's Idea of Israel. And it represents an original and bracing reading of Paul.' Paul Fredrickson, Boston UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction: Jews, former Gentiles, Israelites; 1. The God of Jews only?; 2. Paul and the Israel problem; 3. The Israel problem and the Gentiles; 4. Salvation through justification: Jews and Gentiles alike; 5. 'Not My People': Israel's infidelity and God's fidelity; 6. God's justice and the end of the Torah; 7. The mystery of Israel's salvation; 8. The end of the matter.

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Book SynopsisHistorical works by Bede (672 or 673–735) include his Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, Lives of the Abbots of Bede’s monastery, accounts of Cuthbert, and the Letter to Egbert, Bede’s pupil.

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Book SynopsisAn expert on the early church tells the surprising story of its priorities and practices that led to the spread of Christianity over its first 400 years.Table of ContentsContentsIntroductionPart 1: Growth and Patience1. The Improbable Growth of the Church2. The Good of Patience3. Push and PullPart 2: Ferment4. Christians as Agents of Growth5. Communities as Cultures of PatiencePart 3: Forming the Habitus6. Catechesis and Baptism7. Worship8. "Wise Doves" in the Didascalia apostolorumPart 4: The Transformation of Patience9. The Impatience of Constantine10. Augustine and the Just ImpatienceIndex

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Book SynopsisMagic, witches, and demons have drawn interest and fear throughout human history. In this comprehensive primary source reader, Martha Rampton traces the history of our fascination with magic and witchcraft from the first through to the seventeenth century. In over 80 readings presented chronologically, Rampton demonstrates how understandings of and reactions toward magic changed and developed over time, and how these ideas were influenced by various factors such as religion, science, and law. The wide-ranging texts emphasize social history and include early Merovingian law codes, the Picatrix, Lombard’s Sentences, The Golden Legend, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. By presenting a full spectrum of source types including hagiography, law codes, literature, and handbooks, this collection provides readers with a broad view of how magic was understood through the medieval and early modern eras.Rampton’s introduction to the voTrade Review"Anyone looking for significant attention paid to the medieval period, and especially the earlier medieval centuries, will find it here. And for the late medieval and early modern periods, its attention to different kinds of sources, especially its mix of literature and drama along with legal and demonological texts, is a welcome addition." -- Michael D. Bailey, Iowa State University * The Medieval Review *"For several decades now, magic and witchcraft have been the focus of scholarly attention, and Martha Rampton’s reader – a collection of primary texts that prepares the topic in all its breadth for use in the classroom – is a welcome addition. University of Toronto Press has to be thanked for providing teachers, students, and scholars alike with a rich and voluminous source-book, albeit less affordable than one might have hoped. European Magic and Witchcraft presents carefully selected texts, eighty-six examples from very different genres, from biblical times to the early modern period in chronological order. Some of these texts are famous and have had an enormous cultural impact, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Augustine’s City of God, while others are quite rare, such as Alferic of Eynsham (ca. 955–1010) or court records of the use of torture in early modern witchcraft trials." -- Sergius Kodera, University of Vienna * Renaissance and Reformation / Renaissance et Réforme *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface Chapter One: Late Classical and Early Christian Archetypes 1. Moses and Aaron Challenge Pharaoh’s Magicians 2. The Pythoness Brings the Dead to Life: The Witch of Endor 3. Odysseus and Circe the Sorceress 4. Medea: The Classic Witch 5. Erictho: Divination through the Dead 6. Simon Magus: Money for Miracles 7. Goddess Diana of the Ephesians Bests the Apostle Paul 8. Hecate and the Chaldean Oracles 9. Magic Transforms One into a Bird, Another into an Ass 10. Justin Martyr and the Fallen Angels 11. The Apostle Peter Bests Simon Magus 12. Antony of the Desert Combats Demons 13. Curse Tablets and Binding Spells 14. Saint Martin Battles with Pagans and Demons 15. Augustine: Demons and Magic in the City of God Chapter Two: Post-Roman Kingdoms of Europe: Traffic with Demons (500–750) 16. Three Post-Roman Law Codes against Malicious Magic 17. Caesarius of Arles Preaches against Magic and Paganism 18. Continuity in Magic Spells 19. A Warning to Peasants about the Evils of Trafficking with Demons 20. Sorcery in Gregory of Tours’s Sixth-Century Gaul 21. Saint Patrick Battles Pagan Magicians 22. Early Medieval Sainthood and Demons: Saint Radegund 23. Isidore of Seville Defines Magic: The Etymologies 24. Penance for Sins of Magic 25. A Demoniac in Early Medieval England: Bede Chapter Three: The Carolingian Dynasty: Demons Cut Down to Size (750–1000) 26. An Eighth-Century List of Pagan Practices 27. Paganism of the Saxons 28. Beowulf Fights the Demons: Grendel, and Grendel’s Mother 29. Agobard of Lyons and Weather Magic 30. Carolingian Catalogue of Magical Acts: Council of Paris 31. Treatise on Magic: Hrabanus Maurus 32. Magic at the Court of Louis the Pious: Paschasius Radbertus 33. The Devil of Kempten and the Villager 34. Marriage and Magic: The Divorce of Lothar 35. Loosed Women and Night Flight: Canon episcopi 36. Anglo-Saxon Healing Cures and Charms 37. Anglo-Saxon Sermon against Augury: Aelfric of Eynsham 38. A Prayer to Mother Earth and Other Charms 39. An Eleventh-Century Penitential: Burchard of Worms Chapter Four: The High Middle Ages: Many Threads (1000–1300) 40. Evil Angels: Lombard’s Sentences 41. Divination and the Court: The Policraticus 42. Lanval and the Fairy Queen: Marie de France 43. The Gentle Werewolf: Marie de France 44. Guide for the Perplexed: Jewish Magic and Maimonides 45. Weather Well and Magic Ring: Chrétien de Troyes 46. Norse Magic: Saga of the Volsungs 47. Magic as a Cautionary Tale: Caesarius of Heisterbach 48. A Saintly Dog and the Changelings 49. Picatrix: Arabic Magic 50. Astronomy: Natural Magic or Necromancy? 51. The Golden Legend: Saints and Devils 52. Heresy versus Sorcery 53. A New Kind of Devil: Thomas Aquinas Chapter Five: The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries: Diabolism 54. A Priest Dupes His Friend with a Promise of Magic in The Decameron 55. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 56. Key to Occult Mysteries of Solomon 57. Clerical Magic: A Handbook 58. A Warning to the People of Siena to Expunge Witches from the City 59. Trial of Joan of Arc 60. Witch Beliefs Coalesce: Formicarius 61. The Ordinal of Alchemy 62. Natural Magic and Renaissance Humanism: Oration on the Dignity of Man 63. Pope Innocent VIII Empowers the Inquisitors 64. The Witch Hammer Chapter Six: The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries: The Full Fury of the Witch-Hunts 65. Defending the Harvest: The Cult of the Benandanti 66. In Praise of Natural Magic: Cornelius Agrippa 67. Martin Luther’s Devil 68. Papists, Popedom, and Witchery: John Calvin 69. A Voice of Skepticism from the Medical Profession: Johann Weyer 70. Witch Persecutions in Trier 71. Charms, Tricks, and Day-to-Day Sorcery 72. Demon Mania in France: Jean Bodin 73. Mechanics of Torture: Dr. Fian and Suzanne Gaudry 74. King James and the Witches of North Berwick: “News from Scotland” 75. Skepticism and a Forced Recantation 76. King James I of England: Treatise on Demons and Witchcraft 77. A Midsummer Night’s Dream 78. Shakespeare’s Witches: Macbeth 79. A Jacobean Comedy 80. The Witches’ Sabbath 81. Persecution of the Burgomaster of Bamberg 82. The Witches of Würzburg 83. Witch Panic in Bonn 84. In Defense of the Accused 85. The Demonic Possession of the Nuns of Loudun 86. England’s Witch Finder General Sources Index of Topics

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Book SynopsisEvery generation has an uncanny tendency to view themselves as more enlightened than those that have gone before. The Church certainly has made mistakes all through history – and yet, no insights which we possess would be possible without the efforts, and even some of the mistakes, of our ancestors. The first volume of 2,000 Years of Christ’s Power covers the period from the 1st Century AD to the start of the Middle Ages. From the works of Saint Augustine of Hippo to the first apologetic ever penned, this time in history established the foundations of what we take for granted today.Trade ReviewNick Needham's volumes on church history explain everything that someone new to the subject might not understand. At the same time, they achieve a depth of detail to interest those who already know something of the subject. We use them as standard texts at LTS and look forward eagerly to forthcoming volumes. -- Robert Strivens (Pastor, Bradford–on–Avon Baptist Church, Wiltshire, UK & former Principal, London Seminary)What makes the books so useful is that in a non-technical (but not simplistic) way, they bring out the main story line of the history of the church through the centuries. But in addition, and most helpfully, each chapter concludes with a selection of writings (translated of course!) from people discussed in the chapter. This means that we are not only told what certain people believed, but we are able to read some of their actual writings -- and this is often extremely illuminating. -- Martin K. Bussey (Lecturer in theology, Africa International University, Kenya)It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2,000-year history of the Church. Well, Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge. This eagerly-awaited fourth volume has been well worth the wait and, not to pressure our brother scholar, we now look forward to the concluding volume! -- Michael A. G. Haykin (Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)For many years now I have said: if you want a thorough, learned but accessible and well-written history of the church, read Nick Needham's 2,000 Years of Christ's Power. Now, with the fourth volume finally available, Christians have an excellent resource for improving their knowledge of the history of their faith. Highly recommended. -- Carl R. Trueman (Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College, Pennsylvania)

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Book SynopsisThe Middle Ages were dubbed the ‘Dark Ages’ almost before they had begun to draw to a close. Ever since then, they have continued to be seen as a time of hardship and oppression, full of popes and crusades. In the second volume of 2,000 Years of Christ’s Power, another side of the Middle Ages shines through though: The continual workings of Christ as He built His kingdom through figures such as Thomas a Kempis and John Wycliffe, who lived and struggled during these centuries. This was far from a period of stagnation; rather it was the fire from which the Reformation was kindled.Trade ReviewFor many years now I have said: if you want a thorough, learned but accessible and well-written history of the church, read Nick Needham's 2,000 Years of Christ's Power. Now, with the fourth volume finally available, Christians have an excellent resource for improving their knowledge of the history of their faith. Highly recommended. -- Carl R. Trueman (Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College, Pennsylvania)It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2,000-year history of the Church. Well, Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge. This eagerly-awaited fourth volume has been well worth the wait and, not to pressure our brother scholar, we now look forward to the concluding volume! -- Michael A. G. Haykin (Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)What makes the books so useful is that in a non-technical (but not simplistic) way, they bring out the main story line of the history of the church through the centuries. But in addition, and most helpfully, each chapter concludes with a selection of writings (translated of course!) from people discussed in the chapter. This means that we are not only told what certain people believed, but we are able to read some of their actual writings -- and this is often extremely illuminating. -- Martin K. Bussey (Lecturer in theology, Africa International University, Kenya)Nick Needham's volumes on church history explain everything that someone new to the subject might not understand. At the same time, they achieve a depth of detail to interest those who already know something of the subject. We use them as standard texts at LTS and look forward eagerly to forthcoming volumes. -- Robert Strivens (Pastor, Bradford–on–Avon Baptist Church, Wiltshire, UK & former Principal, London Seminary)

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Book SynopsisThe Renaissance was a reaction against the attitude of the Middle Ages. And the Reformation was the passionate, divisive argument that grew out of it. Catholics, Calvinists, Lutherans, Anabaptists – our present–day divisions were the front–page headlines of the Reformation. Volume three of 2,000 Years of Christ’s Power, in showing the progression of the Reformation era, and the daring bravery of its figures, presents a period of history from which there are many lessons to be learnt – not least of all, the vibrancy of people’s lives and the courage with which they faced death.Trade ReviewIt is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2,000-year history of the Church. Well, Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge. This eagerly-awaited fourth volume has been well worth the wait and, not to pressure our brother scholar, we now look forward to the concluding volume! -- Michael A. G. Haykin (Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)For many years now I have said: if you want a thorough, learned but accessible and well-written history of the church, read Nick Needham's 2,000 Years of Christ's Power. Now, with the fourth volume finally available, Christians have an excellent resource for improving their knowledge of the history of their faith. Highly recommended. -- Carl R. Trueman (Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College, Pennsylvania)What makes the books so useful is that in a non-technical (but not simplistic) way, they bring out the main story line of the history of the church through the centuries. But in addition, and most helpfully, each chapter concludes with a selection of writings (translated of course!) from people discussed in the chapter. This means that we are not only told what certain people believed, but we are able to read some of their actual writings -- and this is often extremely illuminating. -- Martin K. Bussey (Lecturer in theology, Africa International University, Kenya)Nick Needham's volumes on church history explain everything that someone new to the subject might not understand. At the same time, they achieve a depth of detail to interest those who already know something of the subject. We use them as standard texts at LTS and look forward eagerly to forthcoming volumes. -- Robert Strivens (Pastor, Bradford–on–Avon Baptist Church, Wiltshire, UK & former Principal, London Seminary)

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Book SynopsisThe Renaissance and Reformation were exciting times of learning and discovery – they pushed the boundaries of accepted thought. The repercussions of this, however, were that they left in their wake a period of universal uncertainty. The centuries–old status quo had been turned on its head. Nothing was stable anymore. Conflict ensued.The fourth volume of 2,000 Years of Christ’s Power spans from the 16th to the 18th century. It presents a time from which English Protestantism, Scottish Presbyterianism, and French Catholicism, to name only a few, were birthed and refined. Perhaps few eras have had such a direct impact on the characteristics of our own period of history.Trade ReviewWhat makes the books so useful is that in a non-technical (but not simplistic) way, they bring out the main story line of the history of the church through the centuries. But in addition, and most helpfully, each chapter concludes with a selection of writings (translated of course!) from people discussed in the chapter. This means that we are not only told what certain people believed, but we are able to read some of their actual writings -- and this is often extremely illuminating. -- Martin K. Bussey (Lecturer in theology, Africa International University, Kenya)For many years now I have said: if you want a thorough, learned but accessible and well-written history of the church, read Nick Needham's 2,000 Years of Christ's Power. Now, with the fourth volume finally available, Christians have an excellent resource for improving their knowledge of the history of their faith. Highly recommended. -- Carl R. Trueman (Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College, Pennsylvania)Nick Needham's volumes on church history explain everything that someone new to the subject might not understand. At the same time, they achieve a depth of detail to interest those who already know something of the subject. We use them as standard texts at LTS and look forward eagerly to forthcoming volumes. -- Robert Strivens (Pastor, Bradford–on–Avon Baptist Church, Wiltshire, UK & former Principal, London Seminary)It is a brave historian who tackles the extremely challenging task of writing the 2,000-year history of the Church. Well, Nick Needham has more than risen to the challenge. This eagerly-awaited fourth volume has been well worth the wait and, not to pressure our brother scholar, we now look forward to the concluding volume! -- Michael A. G. Haykin (Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)

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Book SynopsisThis book investigates the life and world of Bede (c. 673-735), foremost scholar of the early Middle Ages and 'the father of English history'. It examines his notable feats, including calculating the first tide-tables; playing a role in the creation of the Ceolfrith Bibles and the Lindisfarne Gospels; writing the earliest extant Old English poetry and the earliest translation of part of the Bible into English; and composing his famous Ecclesiastical History of the English People, with its single dating system. Despite never leaving Northumbria, Bede also wrote a guide to the Holy Land. Michelle P. Brown, an authority on the period, describes new discoveries regarding Bede's handwriting, his research programme and his previously lost Old English translation of St John's Gospel, dictated on his deathbed.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Boyhood and Monkwearmouth-Jarrow 2. Bede the Monk and Priest 3. Bede the Scholar and Scientist: Cosmos and Logos 4. Bede, Poetry and the Origins of Written English 5. Bede the English Patristic 6. Bede the Historian and Reformer 7. Bede the Scribe of Scripture and the Ceolfrith Bibles 8. Bede and Lindisfarne 9. Bede and His Legacy Appendix: Bede's CV References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisOver 800 years since his death, Saladin''s fame as the Muslim liberator of Jerusalem, the great foe of Richard the Lionheart and the paragon of justice and nobility remains as powerful as it was during his lifetime.In this new edition, the author A. R. Azzam traces the historical rise of the great Kurdish general and the dramatic events that led to his famous victory at the battle of Hattin. The author also examines how Saladin became a legend in his own lifetime and how and why the legend has continued to endure so powerfully to the present age. But in Saladin: The Triumph of Sunni Revival, the author goes beyond the myth and argues that the legend of Saladin''s chivalry has neglected his inner spiritual life and beliefs and the vital role he played in upholding religious orthodoxy. Thus, Saladin: The Triumph of Sunni Revival is not just the study of the man but also the study of the historical age in which he lived and of the profound intellectual forces that influenced his thoughts and actions so deeply. It is a study of the power of an idea and how this idea, the Sunni Revival, began to take root and flourish in the century before Saladin was born and spread rapidly across the Muslim worldfrom Baghdad to Damascus, from Damascus to Cairo and ultimately and triumphantly, thanks to Saladin, from Cairo to Jerusalem.This book starts in Baghdad with the disintegration of the Abbasid caliphate, and introduces great figures such as Nizam ul-Mulk and al-Ghazali. And although this may appear to have little relevance in a biography of Saladin, A. R. Azzam argues that Saladin was in reality a child of the Sunni Revival and that it was the ideals of this Revival which more than anything affected his beliefs and actions and constitute the foundations of the greatness of his political and spiritual vision.

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Book SynopsisA History of Jerusalem should be read, not only by travellers and potential travellers in Jerusalem, but by all of us.' Stephen Tummin, Daily TelegraphJerusalem has probably cast more of a spell over the human imagination than any other city in the world.Held by believers to contain the site where Abraham offered up Isaac, the place of the crucifixion of Christ and the rock from which the prophet Muhammed ascended to heaven, Jerusalem has been celebrated and revered for centuries by Jews, Christians and Muslims. Such is the symbolic power of this ancient city that its future status poses a major obstacle to a comprehensive regional peace in the Middle East.In this comprehensive and elegantly written work, Karen Armstrong traces the turbulent history of the city from the prehistoric era to the present day.Trade Review‘A wonderful book: wise and compassionate, lucid and intelligent, balanced and fair.’William Dalrymple ‘A triumph’Ian Gilmour, London Review of Books ‘Splendid … essential reading for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike.’ John Ash, Washington Post ‘Deftly told … Armstrong is a knowledgable guide, and this is a sober and articulate tour of a complex subject and a city where, as she puts it, history is a dimension of the present.’ James Owen, Literary Review

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Book SynopsisWhy have Western societies that were once overwhelmingly Christian become so secular? Looking to the feelings and faith of ordinary people, the award-winning author of Protestants Alec Ryrie offers a bold new history of atheism.We think we know the history of faith: how the ratio of Christian believers has declined and a secular age dawned. In this startlingly original history, Alex Ryrie puts faith in the dock to explore how religious belief didn't just fade away. Rather, atheism bloomed as a belief system in its own right.Unbelieverslooks back to the middle ages when it seemed impossible not to subscribe to Christianity, through the crisis of the Reformation and to the powerful, challenging cultural currents of the centuries since. As this history shows, the religious journey of the Western world was lived and steered not just by published philosophy and the celebrated thinkers of the day the Machiavellis and Michel de Montaignes but by men and women at every level of society. TheiTrade Review Praise for Unbelievers ‘Unbelievers covers much ground in a short space with deep erudition and considerable wit. The history of doubt is still in its relatively early stages. This is an important and convincing contribution to it.’ Spectator ‘Highlights the dynamic role that emotions have played in the very human tendency to disbelieve religious claims … Those with an interest in the history of religion will be treated to a new perspective on the old opposition between believers and nonbelievers’ Library Journal ‘Ryrie’s contention that its power and effectiveness derive as much from its emotional impact as its rational argumentation makes considerable sense to me … what Ryrie’s engaging book suggests is that the battle over God is really a battle about a certain sort of emotional literacy. Giles Fraser, Unherd.com ‘In Unbelievers we encounter heart-wrenching expressions of faith and its absence with nuanced attention to words and modulations of emotions. We find preachers, female writers, dramatists, poets and essayists who struggled daily with a religion that demanded faith … An arresting consideration of how their voices shaped what came after them. Deep insights are leavened with characteristic wit and humour, making this book a crucial read for anyone thinking about religion in our time.’ Bruce Gordon, author of Calvin ‘With wit and remarkable breadth of learning, Ryrie addresses an issue that touches us all.’ John O’Malley, author of Vatican I ‘How has unbelief come to dominate so many Western societies? The usual account invokes the advance of science and rational knowledge. Ryrie’s alternative, in which emotions are the driving force, offers new and interesting insights into our past and present.’ Charles Taylor, author of A Secular Age

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Book SynopsisExplores essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths. This book emphasizes the inner - rather than the institutional - dimensions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It conveys the appeal and gifts of each of the traditions and reveals their hold on the human heart and imagination.

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Book Synopsis“[It] will remain the standard text of this marvelous Song for years to come, if indeed it is ever superseded.”—Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions Graham M. Schweig’s translation of the Bhagavad Gita—the “Bible of India”—is an elegant, highly accessible version of one of the most important sacred scriptures in world religion. This beautiful translation of the famous conversation between the Hindu god Krishna and the young prince Arjuna includes a glossary, a pronunciation guide, and expert commentary for greater ease of understanding.Trade Review"Graham Schweig's new, beautiful, and accessible translation will remain the standard text of this marvelous Song for years to come." -- Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions "Crystal clear and eminently readable." -- Ariel Glucklich, Professor of Theology (Hinduism) at Georgetown University "The Bhagavad Gita is a religious classic; Graham Schweig's felicitous translation deserves to be called a classic in its own right." -- Arvind Sharma, Birks Professor of Comparative Religion at McGill University, author of Our Religions "Schweig has produced a beautifully readable, accurate and respectful translation that should become the standard text for classroom use." -- John Borelli, Special Assistant to the President for Interreligious Initiatives at Georgetown University, author of Interfaith Dialogue "Extremely reader friendly, particularly if you have little or no prior exposure to the Gita. " -- Yoga Journal

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Book SynopsisThe relationship of the Sikhs with the Mughals and the Afghans, until the consolidation of Sikh power under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

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Book SynopsisExamines the Buddhist priest Kukai's influence on Japanese culture. This book contends that the importance of Kukai's transmission of esoteric Buddhism to Japan lay in his creation of a general theory of language grounded in the ritual speech of mantra. It explores the rhetorical strategies Kukai employed in his works.Trade ReviewThis is a remarkable book about one of the most remarkable figures in the history of Japanese Buddhism...Abe's book will certainly emerge and remain the primary examination of Kukai's life and thought for many years to come. It is thus a crucial read for anyone interested in early Japanese religion and intellectual history...The Weaving of Mantra provides a very lengthy, detailed, and substantial intellectual historical analysis of Kukai...[T]his book is a monumental achievement that will fascinate students of Japanese religion and stimulate much discussion among historians. -- Steven Heine Journal of Asian Studies Abe has made a major contribution to our understanding of the figure of Kukai, of Esoteric Buddhism, of the political, intellectual and religious situation of the Nara and early Heian periods, and of our view of medieval Japanese Buddhism as a whole. He has command of an impressive range of sources, both classical and modern, and he has a sophisticated grasp of recent theoretical discussions... Both in the new readings of early and medieval Japanese Buddhism that it advances and in the discussions that it will stimulate, this volume stands as a major addition to the field. -- Paul B. Watt Journal of Asian HistoryTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Interaction of Kukai with the Nara Clergy Illustrations Introduction 1. Kukai and (Very) Early Heian Society: A Prolegomenon Part I. Origins, Traces, Nonorigin 2. Kukai's Dissent: Of Mendicancy and Fiction 3. Journey to China: Outside Ritsuryo Discourse 4. (No) Traces of Esoteric Buddhism: Dharani and the Nara Buddhist Literature Part II. Cartography 5. Category and History: Constructing the Esoteric 6. The Discourse of Complementarity: Constructing the Esoteric II Part III. Writing and Polity 7. Semiology of the Dharma; or the Somaticity of the Text 8. Of Mantra and Palace: Textualizing the Emperor, Calamity and the Cosmos 9. Genealogy of Mantra and Kukai's Legacy Post-Script Problems of the Category of Heian Buddhism Kukai and the Limitation of Kuroda's Kenmitsu Theory Glossary Abbreviations Notes Selected Bibliography Index

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