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Paganism: A Very Short Introduction [#269]
Paganism: A Very Short Introduction [#269]
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  • Explores the history and origins of Paganism
  • Reveals attitudes towards the practices of pagans from the ancient world to the present day
  • Written in a concise and lively style, providing an engaging introduction
  • Discusses various ways in which 'pagan' and 'paganism' have been defined and used from antiquity to the present

  
'Paganism' is an evocative word that, even today, conjures up deep-seated emotions and prejudices. Until recently, it was primarily a derogatory term used by Christians to describe the non-Christian cultures confronted and vanquished by their Churches. For some it evokes images of sacrifice and barbaric behaviour, while for others it symbolises a peace-loving, nature-worshipping spiritual relationship with the earth. 

This Very Short Introduction explores the meaning of paganism - through a chronological overview of the attitudes towards its practices and beliefs - from the ancient world through to the present day. Owen Davies largely looks at paganism through the eyes of the Christian world, and how, over the centuries, notions and representations of its nature were shaped by religious conflict, power struggles, colonialism, and scholarship. 

Despite the expansion of Christianity and Islam, Pagan cultures continue to exist around the world, whilst in the West new formations of paganism constitute one of the fastest-growing religions. Focussing on paganism in Europe, but exploring the nature of paganism globally, Davies looks at how Europeans discovered new cultures through colonial expansion, missionary work, and anthropological study. Contemporary social paganism can be a liberating and social force, and the idea of a global Pagan theology is now on the religious map.

Index: 

Introduction: Defining Paganism
1: Ancient world
2: Paganism in retreat
3: Gods in the North
4: Pagans across the oceans
5: Embracing the pagan past
6: Return of the old gods
Conclusion

About the author: 

Owen Davies is Reader in Social History at the University of Hertfordshire. He has published numerous articles on the history of witchcraft and magic and is the author of Witchcraft, Magic and Culture 1736-1951 (Manchester University Press, 1999), Cunning Folk: Popular Magic in English History (2003) and Murder, Magic, Madness: The Victorian Trials of Dove and the Wizard (2005). His most recent book is Grimoires: A History of Magic Books (OUP, 2009).

Product details

ISBN : 9780199235162

Author: 
Owen Davies
Pages
160 Pages
Format
Paperback
Size
111 x 174 mm
Pub date
May 2011
Series
Very Short Introductions
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Paganism: A Very Short Introduction [#269]

Paganism: A Very Short Introduction [#269]

Paganism: A Very Short Introduction [#269]