The second is to turn up the volume on the side of Christians rather than Atheists (a position which has been underpinned so vociferously by Dawkins et al in recent times). Yet Christians are persecuted in greater numbers than any other global religious body, and this fact is severely under-recognised.
For decades before his election, Pope Benedict XVI was known across the world as an unwavering upholder of Catholic orthodoxy. But what kind of man is Benedict XVI? What were the influences that shaped him, and how might the Catholic Church evolve under his leadership? Written for the general reader, this book aims to answer these questions as well as why the future Pope disavowed his youthful liberalism.
In his new book Outgrowing God, Richard Dawkins purports to demolish the claims of mainstream religion, starting with belief in a Creator. All of life's big questions can apparently be answered by science.
Reviled and adored in equal measure, and constantly in the news for his controversial statements, this newly updated biography explores both the public and private sides of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
Investigation of the debates on religious conflict.
The former religion editor of the TLS Rupert Shortt writes an accessible contemporary reflection on the perennial question of human suffering.
This coolly written tract argues eruditely and eloquently for the importance of Christian values in modern life.
A fascinating, fair-minded depiction of Archbishop Rowan Williams. Rowan Williams is a complex and controversial figure. Widely revered for his personal qualities, he is also an intellectual giant who towers over almost all his predecessors as Archbishop of Canterbury. Among other achievements, he has trounced the atheist Richard Dawkins, and published over twenty well-regarded books, including several volumes of poetry and a major study of Dostoevsky. Yet he is also one of the most reviled church leaders in modern history. Long before facing calls to step down after his lecture on sharia law in early 2008, he had been accused of heresy on account of his pro-gay views. He has disappointed many of his own supporters as well. So how has high office changed Rowan Williams? Has he been bullied and manipulated? Or is he perhaps playing a long game, obliged to rate church unity above the pursuit of his own vision at a time when the Anglican Communion has never looked more unstable? Rupert Shortt, already the author of an acclaimed introduction to the Archbishop's thought, offers answers to these and other questions in this authoritative biography. He explores how the events of the Archbishop's remarkable life have shaped his beliefs and practices today. Of particular interest is the riveting account of Williams's experience near the World Trade Center towers on the morning of September 11, 2001. Written with Williams's cooperation, Rowan's Rule not only elucidates his ideas but gives a compelling portrait of a private and in some ways surprisingly vulnerable man.
