Seditious Theology explores the much analysed British punk movement of the 1970s from a theological perspective. Imaginatively engaging with subjects such as subversion, deconstruction, confrontation and sedition, this book highlights the stark contrasts between the punk genre and the ministry of Jesus while revealing surprising similarities and, in so doing, demonstrates how we may look at both subjects in fresh and unusual ways. Johnson looks at both punk and Jesus and their challenges to symbols, gestures of revolt, constructive use of conflict and the shattering of relational norms. He then points to the seditious pattern in Jesus' life and the way it can be discerned in some recent trends in theology. The imaginative images that he creates provide a challenging image of Jesus and of those who have relooked radically in recent years at what being a ’seditious’ follower of Christ means for the church. Introducing both a new partner for theological conversation and a fresh way of how to go about the task, this book presents a powerful approach to exploring the life of Christ and a new way of engaging with both recent theological trends and the more challenging expressions of popular culture.

Advancing Practical Theology argues that the practical theology as a discipline does not at present fulfil its radical potential and addresses some directions that the discipline needs to take in order to respond adequately to changing social, ecclesial and global circumstances. This book will generate debate as a polemic contending for a future of the discipline that features an enhanced role for the lay (i.e. non-professional) practical theologian who is radicalized with respect to the discipline’s preferential option for the broken in which practical theology addresses and is addressed by postcolonial concerns.

The Hanoverian Succession of 1714 has not attracted the scholarly attention that it deserves. This is partly because the idea of the ‘long eighteenth century’, stretching from 1688 to 1832, has tended to treat the period as one without breaks. However, 1714 was in some respects as significant a date as 1688. It was the last time in British history that there was a dynastic change and one in which religious issues were at the forefront in people’s minds. This collection of essays were among the papers delivered at conferences in 2014 to mark the tercentenary of the Hanoverian Succession of 1714, held at Oxford Brookes University and Bath Spa University. They reflect some of the major issues that were evident in the period before, during and after 1714. In particular, they deal with how disloyalty was managed by the government and by individuals. They also demonstrate how central religion was to the process of securing the Hanoverian Succession and to the identity of the new regime established by George I. Disloyalty – real or imagined – was apparent in legal suits, in sermons and preaching, and in the material culture of the period. And once the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 had been overcome, the need to secure the loyalty of the Church and clergy was a key objective of the government.

The anthology '50 Christian Books: Scripture, History, Theology, Spirituality and Fiction' represents an unprecedented assembly of philosophical, theological, and literary genius spanning centuries of Christian thought and storytelling. It binds together an eclectic mixture of genresfrom theological treatises and spiritual autobiographies to allegorical fiction and philosophical discourse. The diversity present within this collection allows for a comprehensive exploration of Christian ideals, ethics, and spiritual struggles. Among these pages, readers will find seminal works that have shaped Christian thought and influenced global literary movements, providing insights into the perennial questions of faith, good and evil, and human destiny. The contributing authors and editors, ranging from early church fathers like Saint Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa to Renaissance luminaries such as John Milton, up to modern philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and G.K. Chesterton, embody a wide spectrum of theological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. This diversity reflects the anthology's commitment to displaying the rich tapestry of Christian literature, encompassing various epochs, cultures, and doctrinal viewpoints. Their collective works chart the development of Christian theology and philosophy, engage with the socio-political challenges of their times, and continue to provoke thoughtful reflection on moral and spiritual questions today. This collection is essential reading for anyone interested in the depth and diversity of Christian literary tradition. It offers readers the unique opportunity to engage with a myriad of perspectives and voices, all united by the theme of exploring the Christian faith but varied in their approaches and conclusions. Whether one approaches these works with scholarly intent, spiritual seeking, or mere curiosity about the influence of Christianity on world literature, there is much to be gleaned from the dialogue these texts provoke. '50 Christian Books' invites a journey through history, thought, and beliefa journey well worth taking for the richness of its scenery and the company of its guides.

The anthology '50 Christian Books - Scripture, Theology, Philosophy and Spirituality (Including Christian Novels)' emerges as a seminal collection that traverses the vast expanse of Christian thought and literary expression. Capturing the complexity and diversity of Christian theology, philosophy, and spirituality, it seamlessly integrates seminal works ranging from the foundational texts of early Christian doctrine to modern philosophical treatises and spiritually enlightening novels. The collection distinguishes itself by offering a panoramic view of Christianity's rich literary tapestry, with standout pieces that span genres, centuries, and philosophical debates, thus serving as a crucial bridge between historical religious thought and contemporary spiritual exploration. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from a vibrant spectrum of historical periods and philosophical backgrounds, bring an unparalleled depth of insight to the anthology's overarching theme. From the transformative religious reforms of Martin Luther to the existential inquiries of Friedrich Nietzsche, and from the spiritual storytelling of Leo Tolstoy to the theological reflections of Saint Augustine, this collection embodies a convergence of varied voices that have shaped, challenged, and deepened the understanding of Christianity across ages. Their collective works not only reflect the historical and cultural contexts from which they emerged but also demonstrate the dynamic interplay between Christian belief and the evolving human condition. This anthology offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with a collection that spans the breadth of Christian thought and literary form. It is an essential volume for those seeking to explore the depths of Christian philosophy, theology, and spirituality through the lens of literature. Beyond its educational value, the book fosters a dialogue between different epochs and perspectives, enriching the reader's comprehension of Christianity's multifaceted legacy. It is a must-read for anyone desiring to delve into the heart of Christian literary and intellectual tradition, offering a gateway to the profound and often transformative insights that these works encapsulate.

Until his untimely death in 2018, Vitor Westhelle's incisive and probing thought on the church, Luther, and theology shaped a generation. As a continuation of that rich legacy, presented here for the first time in English, is a collection of Westhelle's finest Portuguese-language essays. As a dedicated theologian of the cross, he was committed to saying things as they are, and that meant fearlessly cutting to the heart of complex matters. In this collection, Westhelle addresses important issues such as the cross of Jesus and its relation to death today; the difficulty (even impossibility) of human communication; the ecological crisis as a fundamentally religious problem; the ecumenical movement and its complicity with class interests; the church's misuse of mission and power; Lutheranism's misunderstanding of Lutherås law-gospel dialectic; and the role of European theology in making the conquest of the Americas such a disaster.

Seditious Theology explores the much analysed British punk movement of the 1970s from a theological perspective. Imaginatively engaging with subjects such as subversion, deconstruction, confrontation and sedition, this book highlights the stark contrasts between the punk genre and the ministry of Jesus while revealing surprising similarities and, in so doing, demonstrates how we may look at both subjects in fresh and unusual ways. Johnson looks at both punk and Jesus and their challenges to symbols, gestures of revolt, constructive use of conflict and the shattering of relational norms. He then points to the seditious pattern in Jesus' life and the way it can be discerned in some recent trends in theology. The imaginative images that he creates provide a challenging image of Jesus and of those who have relooked radically in recent years at what being a ‘seditious’ follower of Christ means for the church. Introducing both a new partner for theological conversation and a fresh way of how to go about the task, this book presents a powerful approach to exploring the life of Christ and a new way of engaging with both recent theological trends and the more challenging expressions of popular culture.

As religion has retreated from its position and role of being the glue that holds society together, something must take its place. Utilising a focused and detailed study of Straight Edge punk (a subset of punk in which adherents abstain from drugs, alcohol and casual sex) Punk Rock is My Religion argues that traditional modes of religious behaviours and affiliations are being rejected in favour of key ideals located within a variety of spaces and experiences, including popular culture. Engaging with questions of identity construction through concepts such as authenticity, community, symbolism and music, this book furthers the debate on what we mean by the concepts of ‘religion’ and ‘secular’. Provocatively exploring the notion of salvation, redemption, forgiveness and faith through a Straight Edge lens, it suggests that while the study of religion as an abstraction is doomed to a simplistic repetition of dominant paradigms, being willing to examine religion as a lived experience reveals the utility of a broader and more nuanced approach.

Judaism: Sacred Texts, History, Theology & Philosophy offers an unparalleled journey into the rich tapestry of Jewish literary tradition, philosophy, and history. By bringing together an array of texts ranging from theological treatises, philosophical inquiries, to historical narratives, this collection showcases the diverse methodologies and literary styles that have shaped Jewish thought from antiquity to the modern era. Each piece, carefully curated, highlights the evolution of Jewish wisdom, with texts that have stood at the heart of dialogue, debate, and devotion within Jewish culture. The anthology stands out not only for its breadth but also for including some of the most seminal works that have profoundly influenced Jewish life and thought. The contributing authors and editors, luminaries such as Louis Ginzberg, Heinrich Graetz, Judah Halevi, and Moses Maimonides among others, bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge and insight to the collection. These figures, each a titan in their own right, represent pivotal moments and movements within Jewish intellectual history - from the medieval synthesis of Judaic thought with Greek philosophy to the critical historical scholarship of the 19th century. Their collective works within this anthology provide a unique lens through which the vibrancy and dynamism of Jewish intellectual traditions are articulated, reflecting the rich interplay between continuity and innovation that characterizes Jewish thought. This anthology is recommended for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the depth and diversity of Jewish scholarship. It offers readers a unique opportunity to explore seminal texts across various genres, underscoring the enduring relevance of these works. 'Judaism: Sacred Texts, History, Theology & Philosophy' is not merely an academic endeavor; it is an invitation to engage with the texts that have shaped Jewish consciousness across millennia. As readers traverse through this curated landscape of Jewish wisdom, they will find themselves participating in a historical dialogue that enriches understanding and fosters an appreciation for the complexity and beauty of Jewish intellectual heritage.

The second edition of The Bloomsbury Handbook of Religion and Popular Music provides an updated, state-of-the-art analysis of the most important themes and concepts in the field, combining research in religious studies, theology, critical musicology, cultural analysis, and sociology. It comprises 30 updated essays and six new chapters covering the following areas: · Popular Music, Religion, and Performance · Musicological Perspectives · Popular Music and Religious Syncretism · Atheism and Popular Music · Industrial Music and Noise · K-pop The Handbook continues to provide a guide to methodology, key genres and popular music subcultures, as well as an extensive updated bibliography. It remains the essential tool for anyone with an interest in popular culture generally and religion and popular music in particular.