Religion Hurts by John Bowker
The world contains a bewildering variety of religions, and an equally bewildering variety of practices and beliefs within them. Why did they develop and become so widespread? Why do religions matter so much to so many people? Why do some believe that their faith requires them to terrorise and kill others? Do religions do more harm than good? This is a book for those who ask such questions. Some of the answers we hear today seem totally uncritical of religions while others dismiss religions as inherently toxic and destructive. John Bowker, one of the world's most distinguished scholars of religion, delivers a timely analysis of the issues. He shows how recent research, particularly in the neurosciences, genetics and evolution, throws new light on what religions are and on what part they have played in human life and history. His explanation of why religions have been a force for both good and evil is of vital importance for those trying to understand the politics of the modern world.
‘This is a fine work. . It is particularly impressive in its insight into Islamic culture and intra-Islamic conflict, and it shows something of the fresh understanding needed for constructive Christian–Islamic engagement.’ * Peter Barrett, Senior Research Associate, School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics, and formerly Associate Professor of Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa *
‘John Bowker is a master blender of religious anthropologies, ethics, history, philosophy, the tussle between reason and emotion – all overlain by sensitivity and humanity.’ * Peter Hennessy, FBA, Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History, Queen Mary University of London *
‘Vintage Bowker: reviewing a vast religious terrain . . . he offers penetrating insights into conflict, altruism and "humanity" itself.’ * Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emeritus, Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit, University of Warwick *
‘This brilliant and perceptive book helps us to see clearly why it is important to understand religion, and how to cope wisely with its impact in the twenty-first century.’ * Mark Williams, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Oxford *
‘John Bowker is a master blender of religious anthropologies, ethics, history, philosophy, the tussle between reason and emotion – all overlain by sensitivity and humanity.’ * Peter Hennessy, FBA, Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History, Queen Mary University of London *
‘Vintage Bowker: reviewing a vast religious terrain . . . he offers penetrating insights into conflict, altruism and "humanity" itself.’ * Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emeritus, Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit, University of Warwick *
‘This brilliant and perceptive book helps us to see clearly why it is important to understand religion, and how to cope wisely with its impact in the twenty-first century.’ * Mark Williams, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Oxford *
John Bowker is Emeritus Professor at Gresham College, London. He has taught Religious Studies at the universities of Cambridge, Lancaster and Pennsylvania, and at North Carolina State University. He has been a consultant for UNESCO as well as a BBC broadcaster. He is the author or editor of more than forty books including The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (OUP, 1997), Is God a Virus? Genes, Culture and Religion (SPCK, 1995), The Meanings of Death (CUP, 2008, winner of the HarperCollins Prize), What Muslims Believe (Oneworld, 2009), God: A Very Short Introduction (OUP, 2014), Beliefs that Changed the World (Quercus, 2015) and Why Religions Matter (CUP, 2015).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780281080168 |
| ISBN 10 | 028108016X |
| Title | Religion Hurts |
| Author | John Bowker |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | SPCK Publishing |
| Year published | 2018-10-18 |
| Number of pages | 176 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |