Books in the Encountering Traditions series

A theological reflection on the idea that being a Christian is, first and last, a matter of the flesh, this book argues that no single fleshly activity is forbidden and offers extended case studies of what is for Christians to eat, clothe themselves, and engage in physical intimacy.

This work of comparative theology brings together the Biblical Song of Songs and the Hindu Holy Word of Mouth to show how we can learn interreligiously and honor traditional commitments even while admitting the radical changes, losses, and gaps that pluralism is bringing to religious consciousness.

Hasidism Incarnate contends that much of modern Judaism in the West developed in reaction to Christianity and in defense of Judaism as a unique tradition. Ironically enough, this occurred even as modern Judaism increasingly dovetailed with Christianity with regard to its ethos, aesthetics, and attitude toward ritual and faith. Shaul Magid argues that the Hasidic movement in Eastern Europe constitutes an alternative "e;modernity,"e; one that opens a new window on Jewish theological history. Unlike Judaism in German lands, Hasidism did not develop under a "e;Christian gaze"e; and had no need to be apologetic of its positions. Unburdened by an apologetic agenda (at least toward Christianity), it offered a particular reading of medieval Jewish Kabbalah filtered through a focus on the charismatic leader that resulted in a religious worldview that has much in common with Christianity. It is not that Hasidic masters knew about Christianity; rather, the basic tenets of Christianity remained present, albeit often in veiled form, in much kabbalistic teaching that Hasidism took up in its portrayal of the charismatic figure of the zaddik, whom it often described in supernatural terms.

The book rehabilitates a concept of "divine violence" to reconsider the story of abolitionist John Brown and to develop a vision for a post-secular American politics.

This book covers the ins and outs of Islamic legal change and provides readers with step-by-step instructions for shaping the future of Islamic law.