Does shame have any role in politics? Far too often, shame is used as a weapon to dominate those who lack social power. For which reason, it is often regarded with skepticism by its many critics. But in an era where lying in order to get ahead in political contests seems to go unpunished by voters, where the sale of life-saving drugs is increased to astronomical proportions in the pursuit of profits, and where daily infractions against the dignity of individuals is both widespread and quickly forgotten, the seeming lack of shame threatens to undermine the shared values on which a democratic world depends. Drawing on the political thought of Hannah Arendt, especially her writings on Jewish and world politics, Worldly Shame constructs a political category of shame that can help us respond to the crises of the present moment. “Worldly shame” can return to us our sense of judgment, can be an inducement to action, and is a panacea for a world torn apart by horrors that diminish humanity. By developing a capacity for “worldly shame,” we can create political spaces that are hospitable to a plurality of voices and viewpoints, and which can thus be a bulwark against the world-destroying trends that engulf our world every day.

Includes music.

Awarded the 2007 National Research Prize SAES/AEFA. This study is a reappraisal of John Bunyan in the light of the dissenting religious culture of the late-seventeenth century. Charges of schism and fanaticism were repeatedly levelled against Bunyan, both from within the dissenting community and without, but far from being chastened by these accusations, Bunyan responded with a religious discourse marked by a rhetoric of excess. The focus of this book is therefore upon Bunyan's overwhelming spiritual experiences, especially the representation of torment, in his literary and polemical works. The believers' suffering was an obsessive concern of dissenting ministers, even to the point where their writings are often remembered today for little else. Hitherto, most scholars have termed all the mental states that they invoke 'despair', but this simplifies the experiences at issue. A wealth of contemporary material helps to restore the nuances of seventeenth-century physical and spiritual conditions, from enthusiasm to melancholy and madness; from fear to desertion and sloth. These chapters explore fresh ways in which this subtle typology of torment and its extreme manifestations form the core of the literary expression of Restoration dissent, challenging Bunyan to represent spiritual equilibrium as the ultimate quest of the earthly pilgrimage.

In 'The Greatest Works of Thomas More', readers are presented with a meticulously curated anthology that brings together the most significant writings of Thomas More and his contemporaries, including the invaluable contributions of William Roper. This collection not only spans a diverse array of literary styles, from the philosophical to the biographical, but it also encapsulates the rich historical and intellectual milieu of Renaissance humanism. The anthology stands out for its inclusion of seminal works that have influenced legal, political, and ethical thought across centuries, providing a comprehensive view of More's intellectual legacy. The backgrounds of Thomas More and William Roper, as contributors to this anthology, are emblematic of the vibrant cultural and intellectual currents of their time. More, a renowned statesman, lawyer, and philosopher, and Roper, his esteemed biographer, offer insights into the complexities of moral and political philosophy through their writings. This collection aligns with key historical and cultural movements of the Renaissance, particularly humanism, showcasing how these collective voices have shaped contemporary understanding of social and ethical responsibility. 'The Greatest Works of Thomas More' invites readers into an exploratory journey of Renaissance thought and its relevance today. This anthology is not just a compilation of texts but a gateway to understanding the profound impact of humanist principles on modern ideologies. It is recommended for anyone seeking to comprehend the depth of Renaissance intellectual traditions and their enduring influence on ethical and political theory, offering a unique blend of historical significance and philosophical depth.

According to Brad Vaughn, some traditional East Asian cultural values are closer to those of the first-century biblical world than common Western cultural values. In this work Vaughn demonstrates how paying attention to East Asian culture provides a helpful lens for interpreting Paul's most complex letter, and we see how honor and shame shape so much of Paul's message and mission.