Religious Studies

Vatican II: A Very Short Introduction

Shaun Blanchard, Stephen Bullivant

9780198864813
Paperback
23 March 2023

Very Short Introductions

This Very Short Introduction explores the backstory, event, and reception of the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, in light of the wider history of the Catholic Church and places it in the exciting and tumultuous context of the 1960s.

The Virgin Mary: A Very Short Introduction

Mary Joan Winn Leith

9780198794912
Paperback
25 November 2021

Very Short Introductions

This book describes the evolution of Marian thought from early Christianity to the present day. Covering the various Christian denominations, as well as the Islamic Mary, it considers medieval and renaissance doctrine and representations of Mary, as well as her involvement in debates over the Virginal body, race, anti-Semitism, and globalism.

Atheism: A Very Short Introduction

Second Edition

Julian Baggini

9780198856795
Paperback
26 August 2021

Very Short Introductions

In this book, Julian Baggini explores the arguments for atheism, and dispels some common myths, explaining how a life without religious belief can be positive, meaningful, and moral. This new edition discusses the recent flowering of 'New Atheism' and considers the position of atheism in society today.

Blasphemy: A Very Short Introduction

Yvonne Sherwood

9780198797579
Paperback
26 August 2021

Very Short Introductions

This book considers the steady presence of blasphemy in our world today, even as society grows increasingly secular. Discussing some of the most famous cases of blasphemy, it looks at factors such as the increased visibility of religious and racial minorities, new media, and engines of surveillance, and the legacies of colonial blasphemy laws.

War and Religion: A Very Short Introduction

Jolyon Mitchell, Joshua Rey

9780198803218
Paperback
25 March 2021

Very Short Introductions

This book provides an overview of the history of religion and war, and a framework for analysing it. Ranging from ancient history to modern day conflicts, and touching on both religiously incited violence and pacifism, it offers a nuanced view on these issues that have had such weight in the past, and which continue to shape our present and future.

Religion: A Very Short Introduction

Thomas A. Tweed

9780190064679
Paperback
26 November 2020

Very Short Introductions

Secularism: A Very Short Introduction

Andrew Copson

9780198747222
Paperback
11 July 2019

Very Short Introductions

Secularism, the belief that religion should not be part of the affairs of the state or part of public education, is an increasingly hot topic in global public, political, and religious debates. Andrew Copson tells the story of secularism, discussing secular republics and the challenges they can face from resurgent religious identity politics.

Monasticism: A Very Short Introduction

Stephen J. Davis

9780198717645
Paperback
25 January 2018

Very Short Introductions

Stephen J. Davis considers the phenomenon of monasticism from antiquity to the present day, addressing key questions about monastic spirituality and practice. Looking at Christian, Jainism, and Buddhist traditions of monasticism, Davis explores the life and beliefs of those in monasteries, and considers the role of monasticism in the modern world.

Miracles: A Very Short Introduction

Yujin Nagasawa

9780198747215
Paperback
23 November 2017

Very Short Introductions

From a chicken nugget shaped like Jesus, to Mohammad splitting the moon in two, to a Japanese doll whose hair grows, Yujin Nagasawa considers reported miracles in ancient scriptures and modern day life, and uses cutting-edge scientific research on belief formation to address some of our most fundamental questions concerning miracles.

Catholicism: A Very Short Introduction

Second Edition

Gerald O'Collins

9780198796855
Paperback
25 May 2017

Very Short Introductions

What are the origins of the Catholic Church? How has Catholicism changed and adapted over the centuries? What challenges does the Catholic Church face in the twenty-first century? Gerald O'Collins answers these and other questions, and in this new edition considers the impact of Pope Francis' leadership of the Church since 2013.

Calvinism: A Very Short Introduction

Jon Balserak

9780198753711
Paperback
08 December 2016

Very Short Introductions

In this Very Short Introduction Jon Balserak explores major ideas and issues associated with the Calvinist system of thought. He looks at how Calvinist ideas and practices spread and took root, helping shape societies today. Much of contemporary thought - especially western thought - on everything from civil government to money, suicide, and divorce has been influenced by Calvinism. Balserak also combats common misconceptions about Calvinism, and explores the relationship between Calvinism and the modern world.

The Hebrew Bible as Literature: A Very Short Introduction

Tod Linafelt

9780195300079
Paperback
03 March 2016

Very Short Introductions

Revelations of Divine Love

Julian of Norwich, Barry Windeatt

9780199641185
Paperback
14 May 2015

Oxford World's Classics

Julian of Norwich is one of the subtlest writers and profoundest thinkers of the Middle Ages, and the earliest woman writer in English. Her Revelations describe a loving and merciful God and a positive vision of humanity. This sensitive new translation conveys the poise and serenity of her style, and includes the two versions of her text.

Pilgrimage: A Very Short Introduction

Ian Reader

9780198718222
Paperback
23 April 2015

Very Short Introductions

Pilgrimage is found in most religious cultures, from Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and India, to France, Spain, and Japan. In this Very Short Introduction Ian Reader explores the key themes of pilgrimage throughout the ages, considering its various forms and its identity as a 'spiritual tourism' industry, to explain why it has remained so popular.

The Book of Margery Kempe

Margery Kempe, Anthony Bale

9780199686643
Paperback
12 February 2015

Oxford World's Classics

The Book of Margery Kempe is the extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother, and mystic. The earliest autobiography in English, It describes Kempe's transformation from businesswoman to pilgrim, her visions, hostile encounters with clergy and travels to holy sites abroad. This new translation provides full introduction and notes.

Ritual: A Very Short Introduction

Barry Stephenson

9780199943524
Paperback
22 January 2015

Very Short Introductions

God: A Very Short Introduction

John Bowker

9780198708957
Paperback
25 September 2014

Very Short Introductions

Who or what is God? In this Very Short Introduction John Bowker considers questions like these. Exploring how the major religions interpret the idea of God, and have established their own distinctive beliefs about God's existence, Bowker shows how and why our understanding of God continues to evolve.

African American Religion: A Very Short Introduction

Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

9780195182897
Paperback
28 August 2014

Very Short Introductions

African Religions: A Very Short Introduction

Jacob K. Olupona

9780199790586
Paperback
13 March 2014

Very Short Introductions

The Masnavi, Book Three

Jalal al-Din Rumi, Jawid Mojaddedi

9780199652037
Paperback
14 November 2013

Oxford World's Classics

Rumi is the greatest mystic poet to have written in Persian, and the Masnavi, written in six books, is his masterpiece. It conveys a message of divine love in entertaining stories and homilies. The focus of Book Three is on epistemology; this is the first ever verse translation, and the first translation of any kind for over 80 years.