History of religion Books

Book SynopsisA major study of the development of the early English Church from a theological perspective, shedding new light on the thoughts and deeds of the first Anglo-Saxon missionaries. For both the specialist and the general reader.Trade Review'Chaplain of Marlborough College, Dales has written widely about Anglo-Saxon church history and theology. Here he looks at how monastic Christianity spread from the continent to Celtic Britain...how official Roman Christianity arrived among the Anglo-Saxons...[and] assesses the success of the missions in the writings of Bede and Willibrord and Boniface.' - Book News Inc, February 2011Table of ContentsForeword by Benedicta Ward Preface Introduction Prologue I. Martin Part 1: II. Patrick III. Samson and Gildas IV. Columba and Columbanus Part 2: V. Augustine and Paulinus VI. Aidan and Cuthbert VII. Theodore and Wilfred Part 3: VIII. Bede IX. Willibrord and Boniface Abbreviations References Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative and ground-breaking biography of the 8th Century theologian and statesman Alcuin of York, revealing his importance for the period.Trade Review'Alcuin has waited longer than his time for this succinct but comprehensive appreciation' Dr Mark Edwards, Church Times, 26 April 2013 'Dales' own familiarity with the history of Christianity in England is apparent throughout his book. [...] The biography provides a good introduction to Alcuin's letters and poetry.' Nathan J. Ristuccia, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Vol.20 Issue 3. July 2013 '[...] this is a work that does Church History a valuable service in enabling a fuller appreciation of Alcuin.' Jonathan Hustler, Theology, Vol.116, No 6, November / December 2013 'This is an attempt to draw a short biography of Alcuin from his first English period (pages 19-68) with the very first diplomatic tasks and the connections with the political authorities, to the collaboration with Charlemagne also through the links with Rome, and an analysis of his heritage, both as a clergyman and as a politician (pages 127-60; 151-60 in particular are about letters and manuscripts); whereas another work (Alcuin. His Theology) is about theological and cultural perspectives. The volume ends with an historical appraisal, some notes, a bibliography and an appendix.' Medioevo Latino, XXXIV, July 2013 'The book is written by D. Dales in an easy, accessible style, while being extremely informative and scientific. It will serve as an excellent incentive to more deep study of the political and intellectual history of the early mediaeval period and will be useful additional material for those studying the history of the Catholic Church.' Anastasia Palamarchuck, Folia Petropolitana, Vol. 2, Issue 1, 2013 'There is much in this book to be commended: it is a good synthesis of many of Alcuin's works (especially his letters and some of his theological works) and of some recent scholarship. General readers and undergraduate students will find this an accessible (and very readable) introduction to Alcuin's life.' Helen Foxhall Forbes, The Catholic Historical Review, Vol.100, No.1, January 2014 "This book is accessible to the general reader who is quite unfamiliar with this period of history but it also offers a sound guide for those studying and teaching early medieval history and theology. There are detailed notes and an extensive bibliography. [...] Dales carefully steers readers through Alcuin's context, what he inherited from the past, his friendships, his multiple contributions, the challenges he met and his legacy." John Sullivan, Liverpool Hope University, in Theological Book Review (tbr), Vol. 25, No.1, 2013 'Douglas Dales' two books on Alcuin are well researched and well expressed, based on a wide range of scholarship, both historical and theological, and the books combine to provide important source material for scholars working on either Alcuin or his very powerful friend, Charlemagne. ... There are excellent sections in both books on Alcuin's early life and problems in England, and his enforced stay in Europe. His wide ranging literary works are well discussed, as are his relationship with Charlemagne and with his fellow courtiers, and the theological implications are well covered in great depth, and the final chapter on poetry is very interesting. ... the two books should serve to reinforce the important role played by Alcuin as a key theologian and significant politician at a very interesting period of European history.' John R. C. Martyn, University of Melbourne, in Journal of Religious History, Vol 38, Issue 1 "Alcuin's literary and poetic skill, his philosophy as a Christian educator, and the other departments of his work, ministry and relationships, are handled in a way that build up a three-dimensional picture not just of the man, but of the age as a whole. ...True to the man, and in explanation of his influence, the second volume ends with the theme 'Alcuin's Theology of Friendship'. These two volumes are indeed worth befriending." -Charles Miller, Fairacres Chronicle, Vol. 48, No. 2, Winter 2015 "They [Alcuin: Theology and Thought and Alcuin: His Life and Legacy] are superbly written and really complement eachother without their content overlapping." -J. Robert Wright, Anglican and Episcopal History, Vol. 83 No. 4 As a historian, Dales pays a great deal of attention to the historical context, diligently recording Alcuin's life and achievements with reference to a variety of sources, theological tracts, letters, poems, and official documents, bearing also constantly in mind direct evidence from the manuscripts Anneli Luhtala, University of Helsinki, The Author, 2014, pp.478-82Table of ContentsIntroduction Part One - England Chapter 1 York Chapter 2 Emissary Chapter 3 Letters to England Chapter 4 Alcuin & Offa Part Two - Charlemagne Chapter 5 Charlemagne Chapter 6 Alcuin & Charlemagne Chapter 7 Statesman Chapter 8 Rome Chapter 9 Crisis & Coronation Part Three - Legacy Chapter 10 Abbot of Tours Chapter 11 Alcuin & Monasticism Chapter 12 Letters, friends & manuscripts Conclusion

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Book SynopsisA thorough and scholarly study of the early history of the Christian Church in North Africa, newly translated into English.Trade Review'...one could offer this book to undergraduates as a helpful introduction to a world with which they may be totally unfamiliar. Its compendious vision, its readability, make it excellent in this regard...' Jonathan Zecher, Reviews in Religion and Theology, volume 20, Issue 1, 2013Table of ContentsTranslator's Preface; Preface to the English Translation; Geographical and Historical Background; Origins of the African Church; Tertullian: the "Master"; Mid-Third-Century Persecution and Crisis in Africa; Cyprian, the "Pope" of Carthage; Organization and Life of the Third-Century African Churches; The Donatist Schism and the Division of African Christianity; The Diverse African Religious Landscape in Late Antiquity; Augustine of Hippo and the Glory of the "Great Church"; The Final Stages of the African Church: From the Vandal invasion to the Arab Maghreb; Maps; Chronology; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisA fertile study of convergences in early monastic and ascetic thought in Ireland and Byzantine Greece, revealing theological insights into ecclesiology and the nature of the Trinity.Trade Review'Fr Chrysostomos offers here a rich and penetrating analysis of the ways in which the mysteries of the Trinity and Incarnation intersect with ecclesial life, in its various dimensions, as reflected in writers of both the Byzantine and Celtic traditions. Calling into question the claim that 'person transcends nature', and the authoritarian approach to ecclesiology this has fostered, the author opens up a much more expansive and balanced understanding of the 'monarchy' within the Trinity, and, correspondingly, the relation between person, nature, and communion, with all the implications this has for ecclesial structure and functioning and the spiritual life. This is a work of great learning and profound reflection, which will merit deep study and careful attention.' - John Behr, Dean and Professor of Patristics, St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York 'In this rich and incisive monograph, Fr. Chrysostom revisits the issues of trinitarian personhood and ecclesiology rendered justly famous by John Zizioulas and his Western followers in recent decades. Subjecting Zizioulas's position to a courteous but multi-faceted critique, Koutloumousianos not only returns us to the authentic voice of the patristic sources concerned, but draws new attention to consonances with the ascetic trinitarian theology of the early Irish monastic tradition. Twentieth-century Orthodox discourses of 'East' and 'West' will be inexorably challenged by this important and timely contribution.' - Sarah Coakley, Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge 'In this sensitive and erudite study of the mystery of the Trinity, disagreements concerning which have been the occasion of divisions which have gravely wounded the unity of Christendom, Father Chrysostom finds a remarkable kinship between the theology of the Greeks and that of the early Irish. His richly nuanced exposition is particularly impressive in the depth of its treatment of the Irish sources, which are, for the most part, little known. This book sheds light from the East upon the West, and vice versa; it has much to offer to all who are concerned with the inwardness of Christianity.' - John Carey, Professor of Early and Medieval Irish, University College Cork 'Overall, Chrysostom Koutloumousianos' One and the Three: The Nature, person and Triadic Monarchy in the Greek and Irish Patristic Tradition is an outstanding volume, well researched, and with very strong arguments. ....it is a great addition to contemporary debates in ecclesiology and triadology.' - Lasha Tchantouridze, The Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity, Vol. XI No. 1, Winter 2016 'Koutloumousianos has provided a significant challenge to personalist doctrines of the Trinity and the church. He argues from numerous different angles for its shortcomings, backing up his claims with citations from a breadth of Greek and Irish patristic theologians.... [This book] will be suitable for advanced undergraduates and those with interests in contemporary debates in trinitarian theology, patristic theology and Orthodox theology.' - Cameron Coombe, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Volume 24, Issue 4, October 2017Table of ContentsPreface by Prof. Andrew Louth Introduction PART I - APPROACHING THE TRINITARIAN MONAD Chapter One: THE QUEST FOR A PERSONALISTIC ONTOLOGY 1. Transcending the tragedy 2. The monarchy of the Father 3. Drawing implications for the Many Chapter Two: MONARCHY AND TRINITY IN THE GREEK AND IRISH FATHERS 1. The 'middle point' 2. The unfathomable mode of existence 3. The semantic value of 'monarchy' in trinitarian theology 3.1 Aition and the source of unity 3.2. Subordination 3.3. Godhead, the Father's prerogative? 3.4. Perichoresis and essential unity Chapter Three: PERSON AND GRACE 1. Nature as against Person 2. Deification and Personhood PART II - SUBJECTIVITY AND CATHOLICITY: THE MONASTIC PARADIGM Chapter One: THE INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY 1. Way Home 2. The Trinitarian aspect 3. The Body Image 4. The monastic model 5. Different notes - the One and the Many 6. Reaching the unity of the monad 6.1 From obedience to discretion 6.2 Spiritual paternity 6.3 Introversion and Nepsis 6.4 Love and Sympathy 6.5 Unpossessiveness 6.6 Liturgy versus Asceticism? 6.7 Triadic and Monadic in Virtue 7. The Locus of Unity - A person? Chapter Two: INSTITUTION AND CHARISMA 1. Identification and distinction 2. Essential realities and institutionalism 3. Charisma in monasticism 4. Holiness and sacramental efficacy 5. The vicarious Christi and the people 6. Meanings of order 7. Image and mimesis 8. Amazing Grace 9. Hierarchy and divine energy 10. Ideals and accidents Conclusive remarks LAST PROLOGUE

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Book SynopsisA selection of key historical texts setting out the debate over religious imagery during the English Reformation, introduced and with a commentary by a leading scholar in the field.Trade Review'David J. Davis's admirable collection of documents illuminates the complexities of the debate about images provoked by the Reformation in sixteenth-century England. Bringing together Protestant and Catholic voices and combining critical texts with compelling pictures, it challenges the tired paradigms that have inhibited our understanding of the nexus between religion and the visual arts in the early modern period. It will be an excellent resource for scholars and students alike.' - Alexandra Walsham, Professor of Modern History, University of Cambridge 'David Davis challenges the idea that iconoclasm and Protestantism go hand in hand and presents with his book a major contribution to the academic debate on this issue. It is an enriching pleasure to read and consider his careful analysis of a wide variety of early modern texts and images. The sources presented here also make this book perfect for use in class.' - Herman Selderhuis, Professor of Church History, Theological University Apledoorn; Director, Refo50 'The volume is wide-ranging and fascinating. The historical background that Davis provides for each document and summary of arguments from both Protestants and Catholics are considerably helpful to understand the texts.... [O]verall this book is highly recommended for any scholars and lay readers who are eager to have a more comprehensive understanding about the issues of icons and idols in the Reformation period.' - Okky Karmawan, The Expository Times, Volume 129, Number 2, November 2017 '[D]avis' anthology is well-crafted and informative.... By including material from a variety of viewpoints, Davis ensures that readers from a variety of viewpoints and denominational background will find selections that resonate with their own understanding of the topic. The breadth and depth of the included material make Davis' anthology a helpful tool that offers the promise of continued use as a collection of authoritative documents on an important subject.' -Derek R. Davenport, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Volume 25, Issue 1, January 2018Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements Abbreviations General Introduction Part 1: The Early Reformation Document 1 - John Ryckes, The Image of Love (London, 1525) Document 2 - William Tyndale, An Answer unto Sir Thomas More's Dialogue (London, 1532) Document 3 - Martin Bucer, A Treatise Declaring and Showing that Images Are Not to be Suffered in Churches (London, 1535) Document 4 - Woodcut title-page, The Great Bible (London, 1539) Document 5 - John Calvin, The Sermons of M. John Calvin upon the Fifth Book of Moses called Deuteronomy (London, 1583) Document 6 - Roger Edgeworth, Sermons, Very Fruitful, Godly, and Learned (London, 1557) Document 7 - John Hooper, A Declaration of the Holy Ten Commandments (London, 1549) Part 2: The Elizabethan Reformation Document 8 - Woodcut of Ezekiel's Vision of Heaven, Geneva Bible (Geneva, 1560) Document 9 - Woodcut of Isaiah's Vision of Heaven, Bishops Bible (London, 1568) Document 10 - Marcus Gheeraerts the Elder, The Allegory of Iconoclasm (London, 1566:1568) Document 11 - Heinrich Bullinger, Fifty Godly Sermons (London, 1577) Document 12 - John Jewel, Homily Against the Peril of Idolatry and Superfluous Decking of Churches (London, 1571) Document 13 - John Martiall, A Treatise of the Cross (Antwerp, 1564) Document 14 - Nicholas Sander, A Treatise of the Images of Christ (Louvain, 1567) Document 15 - Peter Vermigli, The Common Places of the Most Famous and Renowned Divine Doctor Peter Martyr (London, 1583) Document 16 - Gregory Martin, A Discovery of the Manifold Corruptions of the Holy Scripture by the Heretics of Our Days (Rheims, 1582) Part 3: The Post-Reformation Document 17 - William Perkins, Two Documents Document 18 - William Bishop, A Reformation of a Catholic Deformed (English Secret Press, 1604) Document 19 - Robert Bellarmine, An Ample Declaration of the Christian Doctrine (English Secret Press, 1604) Document 20 - John Heigham, The Touchstone of the Reformed Gospel (St. Omer's Press, 1652) Document 21 - Richard Montagu, A Gag for the New Gospel?: No, a New Gag for an Old Goose (London, 1624) Document 22 - Anonymous, Controversii et compendium Becari (1625) Bibliography General Index

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Book SynopsisA compilation of fifty-eight of the essential documents of the English Reformation from 1526 to 1700, invaluable for both students and scholars.Trade Review"A timely collection of official formularies relating to the English Reformation" The Expository Times "Magnificient work, which must (and will) prove itself by generations of use as an indispensable tool of English Reformation studies. No recent book has come my way of greater intrinsic value in its own sphere than this - or one which will repay more abundantly the price asked for its range, its detail and its length." Epworth Review "It is a most welcome contribution to the study of theology and ecclesiastical history, and will establish itself as an essential reference for all students of the Tudor and Stuart experience of the Protestant faith" David Parnham "It will serve at least three very useful purposes: first, a salutary source of information; second, it should provide a stark reminder to those engaged in the various ministries of the Church of England: third, it will remind over-secularized modern analysts that the Reformation, even in England, did have a lot to do with religion, its understanding and practice." Theology "A well designed collection which will meet a widely felt need ... probably the most comprehensive one of its type to appear this century ... outstandingly useful." R.A. Houlbrooke, in Parliamentary History "A very useful primary source collection ... The timespan is generously conceived ... From a scholarly point of view admirable, and the standard of editing is very high" Teaching History "This is an essential reference work for anyone interested in this important period of church history." Reformed Theology JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction to the Third Edition Before the Break with Rome (1526-1534) The Henrician Reformation (1534-1547) Cranmer's Reformation: The Reign of Edward VI (1547-1553) Reaction and Recovery (1553-1559) The Progress of Protestantism (1560-1625) The Protestant Schism and the Final Settlement (1625-1701) Supplementary Texts Appendixes Notes Index

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Book SynopsisWriting in the middle of the twentieth century, G.W. Bromiley was acutely aware of the renewal of debates surrounding baptism taking place within the Anglican church and elsewhere. These debates, which are still the cause of denominational division, can be best understood by tracing them back to their origins in the sixteenth century. Analysing the Anglican Reformers'' views on baptism''s sacramental status, its liturgical format and its theological substance, Bromiley places the current diversity of positions in its proper context. The legitimacy of infant baptism, the authority of ministers and the efficacy of grace are all discussed. Whether a scholar of ecclesiological and doctrinal history, or of the current debate within and between churches, this study is essential reading on the question of baptism past and present.Trade ReviewBromiley begins by discussing "traditionalist" (i.e., pre-Reformation) perspectives before turning to the Lutheran, continental Calvinist, and English Reformers. He is careful to highlight both the continuities and discontinuities not only between the "traditionalists" and the Reformers, but also among the different segments of the Reformers themselves. The resulting overview feels compact yet thorough, serving as a solid introduction to perennial questions and controversies pertaining to baptism as they arose during the Reformation. James Clark, Review Editor,The North American Anglican.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction I. The Sacrament (1) General Concept (2) Signification (3) Types (4) Necessity II. The Participants (1) The Minister (2) Irregular Ministers (3) The Subject (4) Infant Baptism III. The Rite (1) Prerequisites (2) Matter and Form (3) Ceremonies (4) Circumstances IV. The Grace (1) Effects (2) Efficacy (3) Infants (4) Post-baptismal Sin Conclusion Bibliography Index of Names Index of Subjects Index of New Testament References

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Book SynopsisIn The Irony of Modern Catholic History, acclaimed Catholic scholar George Weigel offers a bold reinterpretation of the Church''s history since the nineteenth century, completely overturning conventional wisdom about the relationship between Catholicism and modernity. For much of the nineteenth century, both secular and Catholic leaders assumed that the Church and the modern world were locked in a battle to the death. The triumph of secular modernity-democracy, liberalism, mass education, religious freedom-would finish the Church as a consequential player in world history, and it would lead inevitably lead to the death of religious conviction. But today the Catholic Church is far more vital, and far more consequential, than it was 150 years ago, when Pope Pius IX retreated into the Vatican, forced to surrender the Italian lands the popes had ruled for centuries. And even in today''s modern world, secularism is the exception, not the rule.In The Irony of Mod

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewReviewed in Contemporary Review... offers the safest route toward a nuanced and sophisticated understanding of Jesus. -- The Catholic HeraldThe subtitle of this massive and powerful study of the historical Jesus describes its fundamental approach... [Casey] begins with an extensive survey of modern literature on this subject- an incisive analysis worth the price of admission that, with wit, sarcasm, and breathtaking erudition, leaves no scholar unscathed... The end result of this meticulous study is remarkably 'conservative' that is, in Casey's view the overall portrayal of Jesus' mission, life, and teaching found in the gospels has strong historical verisimilitude. -- The Bible TodayReviewed in Znak Magazine.Casey is always interesting... [and] indeed fascinatingly independent, in his methods and his results. -- The Times Literary SupplementThere are many valuable insights and additions to our knowledge about Jesus, His times and His teachings which are now made clearer by the scholarship evident in this book. -- The Good Book Stall‘In several important respects this lively book goes against the grain of recent scholarship, both conservative and radical. But it is a needed and challenging reminder of the fragility of much that passes as the ‘assured results' of scholarship. The detailed attention to the relevance of the Aramaic language for constructing Jesus is particularly noteworthy and consistently provocative.' - Dale C. Allison, Jr., Errett M. Grable Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, PA, USA. -- Dale C. Allison‘Only a handful of New Testament scholars can deal with Hebrew and above all Aramaic sources as well as Maurice Casey. After an extensive career concentrating on the life and teaching of Jesus, and at the pinnacle of his intellectual prowess after writing a number of specialized studies, he now generously shares his deep and manifold insights with a larger audience. With neither ecclesiastical nor atheistic baggage to weigh him down, Casey caustically comments first on those who do not take Jesus' Jewishness seriously, especially his native tongue Aramaic. This criticism of older and the most recent secondary literature is - unfortunately - well-deserved. Yet the following chapters with positive analyses by far prevail, making this volume a must read for all those seeking a balanced, yet deeply scholarly view of the life of Jesus by an independent historian. Casey candidly points out what we can reasonably know about Jesus, but just as importantly, what we cannot know. This fascinating volume deserves close reading and a very wide audience.' - The Rev. Dr. Roger David Aus, Berlin, Germany -- Roger David Aus'This learned and comprehensive book should prove to be the major historical Jesus publication of the decade. While we all know that much has been written on the historical Jesus, Casey still manages to provide a distinctive slant, most notably with his reader-friendly use of Aramaic reconstructions of Jesus' words and actions. The review of scholarship, which combines savage humour with scholarly insights, hits hard at numerous approaches to the quest for the historical Jesus, from famous historical Jesus scholars to ‘mythicist' and conspiratorial theories in popular culture. This book should reinvigorate a tired scholarly quest and raise the bar in the learning required to do serious historical Jesus work.' - James G. Crossley, University of Sheffield, UK. -- James G. CrossleyMaurice Casey has devoted himself to the study of Aramaic... and now puts this knowledge to use in his heavy tome on the Historical Jesus. -- The Pastoral Review‘The book is an admirable, fascinating, and stimulating study of Jesus against the background of a Judaism shaped by Aramaic speakers, and, as such, it is well worth reading.' -- The Church Timesthis book is in many respects an impressive achievement. -- The Rev Dr Petor Ensor * Methodist Recorder *This book ably demonstrates the variety and quantity of work being done all at once on the question of the historical Jesus. Casey’s proposals regarding Jesus and the Gospels are bold and boldly stated and will need to be addressed in future histories of Jesus...Casey provides clear and careful discussions in every chapter. His conclusions, moreover, are neither naïvely credulous nor cynically skeptical...Casey has produced a highly original, provocative, and innovative volume...May more volumes find their way to market that raise as many interesting questions as lucidly and forcefully as does this book. -- Rafael Rodriguez, Johnson University * Biblical Theology Bulletin *Table of ContentsPreface Abbreviations Chapter 1. The Quest of the Historical Jesus. 1. Introduction. 2. The Nazi Period. 3. Radical Form Criticism. 4. Not the Second and Third Quests. 5. Vermes and Sanders. 6. Crossan and the American Jesus Seminar. 7. From Bad to Worse. 8. Recent Lives of Jesus. 9. Conclusions. Chapter 2. Historically Reliable Sources. 1. Introduction. 2. The Gospel According to Marcus. 3. The So-Called 'Q' Material. 4. The Gospel According to Matthew. 5. The Gospel According to Luke. 6. Conclusions. Chapter 3. Historical Method. 1. Introduction. 2. Multiple Attestation. 3. Dissimilarity, Coherence, and Embarrassment. 4. Historical Plausibility. 5. Aramaic. 6. Jewish Source Material. 7. Rewriting History, Telling Stories and Social Memory. 8. Conclusions. Chapter 4. Family, Birth, Upbringing and Cultural Background. 1. Family. 2. Birth. 3. Upbringing. 4. Galilee and the Surrounding Areas. 5. Conclusions. Chapter 5. John the Baptist, Call and Ministry. 1. Introduction. 2. The Prophetic Tradition. 3. John the Baptist. 4. Jesus' Baptism and Call. 5. Jesus, John and the Length of the Historic Ministry. 6. The Call of the Twelve. 7. Women in the Historic Ministry. 8. Conclusions. Chapter 6. God. 1. Introduction. 2. Jesus' Spiritual Life. 3. The Fatherhood of God. 4. The Kingdom of God. 5. Teaching Others to Pray. 6. Conclusions. Chapter 7. Exorcism and Healing. 1. Introduction. 2. Secondary Development. 3. Healing. 4. Exorcism in the Ministry of Jesus. 5. Healing Other Illnesses. 6. The Mighty Works of a Prophet. 7. Jesus was not a Magician. 8. Conclusions. Chapter 8. Jesus' Ethical Teaching. 1. Introduction. 2. Repentance. 3. The Torah. 4. Particular Ethical Instructions. 5. Divorce and the Family. 6. The Good Samaritan. 7. Poverty and Riches. 8. Two Problems. 9. Observing Jesus' Ethical Teaching. 10. Conclusions. Chapter 9. Jesus' Conflicts with his Opponents. 1. Introduction. 2. Scribes. 3. Pharisees. 4. Orthodoxy in Second Temple Judaism. 5. Jesus' Conflicts with Scribes and Pharisees. 6. Herod Antipas. 7. Chief Priests, Elders and Scribes. 8. Division. 9. Conclusions. Chapter 10. Christological Terms. 1. Introduction. 2. Prophet. 3. Teacher. 4a. Son of Man: Introduction. 4b. Son of Man: Genuine Sayings of Jesus. 4c. Son of Man: The Translation Process. 4d. Son of Man: Daniel 7.13. 4e. Son of Man: Jesus Predicts his Death and Resurrection. 4f. Son of Man: The Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke. 5. Son of God. 6. Messiah, or Christ. 7. Conclusions. Chapter 11. Death in Jerusalem. 1. Introduction. 2. Preparing the Way. 3. Entry into Jerusalem, and the Cleansing of the Temple. 4. The Next Few Days. 5. Betrayal. 6. Jesus' Final Passover. 7. Arrest. 8. Trial and Conviction. 9. Crucifixion: A Bandit's Shameful Death. 10. A Bandit's Shameful Burial. 11. Conclusions. Chapter 12. Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? 1. Introduction. 2. Early Belief. 3. Gospel Appearances. 4. Jewish Beliefs in Resurrection. 5. The Gospel Narratives Again. 6. Visions, Appearances and Hallucinations. 7. Conclusions. Chapter 13. Conclusions. Appendix. Other Gospels. 1. Introduction. 2. The Gospel of John. 3. The Gospel of Thomas. 4. The Gospel of Judas. 5. The Gospel of Mary. 6. The Gospel of Philip. 7. The Secret Gospel of Mark. 8. Conclusions. Further Reading. Indexes.

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Book SynopsisIn this highly-readable volume, Portmann traces changing conceptions of sin though history and analyzes the role that sin, and our understanding of it, plays in today's society.Trade ReviewIn this most original and thought-provoking book, Portmann persuasively shows that humans will always sin, though they may attempt to decrease the number and the seriousness of such sins. A must-read, and not only for sinners. -- Aaron Ben-Zeév, president, University of HaifaIn this lively, thoughtful, and well-researched book, Portmann demonstrates that sin does have a history and that in the last half century or so people have paid less and less attention to sin and its historical twin, absolution, as a result of suffering from sin fatigue, a weariness of heart from the effort not to sin and the time spent in seeking absolution. After chronicling the way that both masturbation and lack of chastity have ceased to be seen as sins, he looks with sly irony at various contemporary activities that he sees as part of 'sin's vast future.' But Portmann reserves his most careful, indeed dazzlingly sensitive argument for the proposition that the feeling of some white students that affirmative action in higher education has harmed them is but a reflection of their inability to name the sin perpetrated by their elders who fashioned a remedy for their misdeeds the pain of which they do not have to bear. It alone is a sucker punch that every adult in higher education should be compelled to read. -- John Henry Schlegel, University of Buffalo Law SchoolDrawing on history of religion, philosophy, and social history, this book explores the social construction of sin. It argues that sin, far from being simply a fixed and transcendental standard of human behavior, reveals itself as very much a human concept that is socially and historically conditioned while remaining a reality of the human condition. -- Jean Philippe Bouilloud, University of ParisThe terror and trauma of 9/11 raised questions about the reality of evil and the notion of sin, concepts that had all but faded from public discourse at the opening of the 21st century. In this informative, readable survey, Portmann traces the evolution of sin from the present to the past. . . . Recommended without reservation for both academic and public libraries. * Library Journal *Table of Contents1 Introduction — Sin Today Chapter 2 Sin Fatigue: The Dilution and Demotion of Sin Chapter 3 Atonement Fatigue Chapter 4 Catholic Masturbation and Modern Science Chapter 5 Virginity: Almost a Sin? Chapter 6 Modern Sins Chapter 7 The Sins of Our Fathers: Paying for Affirmative Action Chapter 8 The Best We Can Do

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Book SynopsisA new edition of Heinz Halm's comprehensive survey of all the Shi'ite groups. It traces the development of all the individual branches from their common origins to their current status in the modern world.Trade ReviewReviews of the first edition: A good primer to the complex subject of Shi'ism. It should be on the bookshelves of all good libraries and personal collections. Halm in an admirable way combines an assured judgement as to what information matters, with precision and fluency of style! It will find countless grateful specialist and non-specialist readers. A very useful and informative handbook. Reviews of the first edition: A good primer to the complex subject of Shi'ism. It should be on the bookshelves of all good libraries and personal collections. Halm in an admirable way combines an assured judgement as to what information matters, with precision and fluency of style! It will find countless grateful specialist and non-specialist readers. A very useful and informative handbook.Table of Contents1. The Beginnings of the Shia; 2. The Imamiyya or Twelver Shia; 3. The Extreme Shia; 4. The Isma'iliyya or Sevener Shia; 5. The Zaydiyya.

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to Islam, today the faith of more than a billion people, set in the context of world history and of religious studies.Trade ReviewA useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. -- Professor Francis Robinson, Royal Holloway, University of London It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public. -- Professor Michael Sells, Haverford College, PA A useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public.Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Islam in the Eyes of the West; 2. Approaching Islam in Terms of Religion; 3. The Sacred Sources of Islam; 4. Ethics and Life in the World; 5. Spirituality in Practice; 6. Postscript: Reimagining Islam in the 21st Century; Notes; Suggested Further Reading; Index.

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Book SynopsisA general historical introduction to the Muslims of Medieval Italy which presents specific information regarding social, religious, administrative, political, cultural, artistic and intellectual questions.Table of Contents1. The Muslim Expansion into Sicily & the South Italian Peninsula; 2. Sicily under the Fatimids; 3. The Height of Islamic Sicily; 4. The Later Kalbid Dynasty and the Sicilian taifa Period; 5. The Norman Conquest of Muslim Sicily; 6. Muslims under Early Norman Rule: Churches, Charters & Lordships; 7. The Muslims in The Kingdom of Sicily; 8. The Normans in Africa; 9. The Muslim Massacres of the 1160s; 10. Keeping the Faith: The Palace Eunuchs; 11. Monreale and The Muslims; 12. The Art of Leisure; 13. Science, Power and Patronage; 14. The Muslim Revolts and Colony of Lucera.

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