{"product_id":"blasphemy-a-very-short-introduction-9780198797579","title":"Blasphemy: A Very Short Introduction","description":"In a world where not everyone believes in God, 'blasphemy' is surely a concept that has passed its use-by-date. And yet blasphemy (like God and religion) seems to be on the rise. In this \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introduction\u003c\/em\u003e Yvonne Sherwood asks why this should be the case, looking at factors such as the increased visibility of religious and racial minorities, new media, and engines of surveillance (which are far more omniscient than the old gods could ever be), and the legacies of colonial blasphemy laws. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThroughout, Sherwood uncovers new histories, from the story of accidentally blasphemous cartoons, to the close associations between blasphemy, sex, and birth control. She also argues that blasphemy itself involves an inherent contradiction in imagining the divine as an entity that must be revered above all, yet also a being that could possibly be hurt by anything that happens in the merely human sphere. Unpicking some of the most famous cases of blasphemy, Sherwood also looks at obscure instances, asking why some 'blasphemies' have become infamous, while others have disappeared. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions\u003c\/em\u003e Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eABOUT THE SERIES: The \u003cem\u003eVery Short Introductions\u003c\/em\u003e series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Oxford University Press, USA\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 10\/01\/2021\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780198797579\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 160","brand":"Yvonne Sherwood","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40894001938613,"sku":"9780198797579","price":11.04,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/products\/img_e2701c07-6edb-4b25-8a88-7a83b339b18f.jpg?v=1630413847","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/blasphemy-a-very-short-introduction-9780198797579","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}