Why does religion inspire hatred? Why do people in one religion sometimes hate people of another religion, and also why do some religions inspire hatred from others?This book shows how scholarly studies of prejudice, identity formation, and genocide studies can shed light on global examples of religious hatred. The book is divided into four parts, focusing respectively on: theories of prejudice and violence; historical developments of antisemitism, Islamophobia, an...

Are atheists immoral? Does religion cause conflict? Is religion always opposed to science?Boldly paving the way for constructive dialogue between atheists and religious believers, Paul Hedges tackles issues such as the treatment of women, the idea of a pure and empirical realm of 'science', and the association of religion with violence and warfare, debunking the myths and exposing the futility of the battle between 'reason' and 'belief'.Threading deftly between atheism, the...

This book is a theological and political exploration of how Christianity may be compatible with polytheism, arguing that there is no singular "orthodoxy", rather we see "polydoxy".Conceptually deconstructing the distinction between monotheism and polytheism, it advances multi-devotionalism and mono-devotionalism as analytically preferable terminology. It starts by exploring notions of polytheism in the Old(er) Testament, New(er) Testament, and Christian developments of the Trinity ...

A comprehensive collection provides guidance and deep insight from a variety of experts in this emerging fieldThe rapidly developing field of interreligious studies fosters scholarship engaging two or more religious traditions at a time. Inherently multidisciplinary, the field brings the academic consideration of religions into conversation with the humanities and social sciences, employing relational, intersectional, experiential, and dialogical methodologies as it examines the in...

Christology can no longer be confined to the task of making philosophical sense of the figure of Jesus of Nazareth in terms of the formulation of the “two natures in one person” doctrine derived from the early Christian centuries. Christian theology is now required to interpret the impact and person of Jesus of Nazareth by responding to critical demands from many perspectives.What Christ? Whose Christ? therefore explores the Christological challenge by paying attention to ...

Essays by Thomas Frank, Clay Shirky, David Simon, and others: "Anyone concerned about the state of journalism should read this book." — Library JournalThe sudden meltdown of the news media has sparked one of the liveliest debates in recent memory, with an outpouring of opinion and analysis crackling across journals, the blogosphere, and academic publications. Yet, until now, we have lacked a comprehensive and accessible introduction to this new and shiftin...

A cutting-edge introduction to contemporary religious studies theory, connecting theory to data.This innovative coursebook introduces students to interdisciplinary theoretical tools for understanding contemporary religiously diverse societies—both Western and non-Western. Using a case-study model, the text considers:A wide and diverse array of contemporary issues, questions, and critical approaches to the study of religion relevant to students and sch...

Sometime in your business life you've looked up from the task or person in front of you, paused before your head explodes, and thought to yourself, "There's got to be a better way!" This book offers you that better way. Whether you're in school preparing for the world of work or have experienced multiple careers, whether you make decisions that affect others or are affected by others' decisions as their employee or customer, whether you're part of a multinational corporation or a small bus...

Kate loves singing and playing her guitar – and she’s good, too. One Saturday, she goes to the town square with her friend Lucy, and plays there. It’s a big thing, playing in front of people, and Kate isn’t the only street performer in the square that day. The silver statue is there, and that’s OK because she never moves or speaks. But Joe the drummer is there too, and Kate’s music and Joe’s drums aren’t good together. Or are they?

West High School boys’ basketball team is the worst team in town - everyone knows that. They always lose. But that’s OK - Ben and his friends love playing. Then they get a new player. Sam is good, very good. Suddenly everything changes for the West High team, and Ben is excited. But is winning games the most important thing?

In the mountains of Transylvania there stands a castle. It is the home of Count Dracula – a dark, lonely place, and at night the wolves howl around the walls. In the year 1875 Jonathan Harker comes from England to do business with the Count. But Jonathan does not feel comfortable at Castle Dracula. Strange things happen at night, and very soon, he begins to feel afraid. And he is right to be afraid, because Count Dracula is one of the Un-Dead – a vampire that drinks the blood of living peo...

Life is always hard for the poor, in any place and at any time. Ethan Frome is a farmer in Massachusetts. He works long hours every day, but his farm makes very little money. His wife, Zeena, is a thin, grey woman, always complaining, and only interested in her own ill health. Then Mattie Silver, a young cousin, comes to live with the Fromes, to help Zeena and do the housework. Her bright smile and laughing voice bring light and hope into the Fromes’ house – and into Ethan’s lonely life. B...