Books in the Guides for the Perplexed series

Christians agree that they are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ. But how is the atonement achieved in these events? This book offers an introduction to the doctrine of theatonement focused on the unity and diversity of the work of Christ. Johnson reorients current patterns of thought concerning Christ''s work by giving the reader a unifying vision of the immensely rich and diverse doctrine of the atonement, offering a sampling of its treasures, and cultivating the desire to further understand and apply these riches to everyday life. Where introductions to the atonement typically favor one aspect of the work of Christ, or work with a set number of themes, aspects or theories, this book takes the opposite approach, developing the foundation for the multi-faceted nature of Christ''s work within the being of God himself. It offers a grand unifying vision ofChrist''s manifold work. Specific elaborations of different theories of the atonement, biblical themes, and the work of different theologians find their place within this larger rubric.

A historical overview that explains what modernist literature was by taking the reader through the major figures, ideas and movements, focusing particularly on the core years of 1890-1930 but also looking before to Modernism's influences and precursors and beyond to its continuation and legacy.

An introduction to the 'Father of Modern Theology'.

"Drawing on examples from literature, film and TV, this book helps students grapple with and master the often perplexing question, 'what is science fiction?'"--

A practical and accessible guide and introduction to the field of Western Esotericism

Explores central challenges to religious belief raised by evil and suffering in the world as well as significant responses to them from both theistic and non-theistic perspectives.

Christianity concerns itself with salvation. But salvation implies something from which one must be saved, as reconciliation implies an estrangement and redemption a loss. The classical theological symbol naming the problem to which salvation is the solution is sin. This work introduces the doctrine and understanding of sin in modern theology.

Noam Chomsky is one of the influential thinkers of the twentieth-century. His work in linguistics, philosophy and political theory has spanned six decades, and has been met with critical acclaim and controversy in equal measure. This book is not only an introduction to Chomsky's theoretical writings, but also a critical engagement with his work.

Offers an introduction to the major elements of the prevalent metaphysical system of Judaism, Kabbalah. This book covers the historical and theoretical essence of Kabbalah, providing a definition of the term and the limitations of what Kabbalah is and is not. It provides an overview of the history of the movement.

Investigating what the atheists mean when they use the words 'atheism' and 'God', this book explores the differences and similarities between 'old' and 'new' atheism, and places atheism of either variety in context by examining the naturalistic worldview that grounds it. It also examines various arguments against God-belief.

Provides an introduction to the work of Sartre, the twentieth-century thinker and writer. This book identifies four themes that run through his oeuvre, consciousness, freedom, bad faith and authenticity, and explores them, building up an overview of Sartre's philosophy in its entirety. It covers the core concepts that recur throughout his work.

The history of the development of Zoroastrianism spans over 3000 years, beginning in prehistory as an oral tradition, with roots in a common Indo-Iranian mythology. This guide presents the history, development and beliefs of this ancient religion, and its continuation as a lived religion.

Hannah Arendt is considered to be one of the influential political thinkers of the twentieth century. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Arendt's key ideas and texts. It examines some of the important themes of Hannah Arendt's work, as well as the controversies surrounding it.

John Locke is a clear and lucid writer who wrote on many subjects and founded many new schools of thought. This title presents a concise and coherent overview of Locke. It is suitable for second- or third-year undergraduates who require more than just a simple introduction to his work and thought.

Thomas Aquinas is the most widely read and arguably most influential of the medieval philosophers. He is famous for his coherent synthesis of Greek Philosophy and Christian Theology and his "Summa Theologiae" is an important, and enduring, text in the history of philosophy. This is a student's guide to the life and thought of Thomas Aquinas.

Gottfried Leibniz is one of the most influential and important European philosophers of the early modern period. This work gives an account of Lebniz's philosophy. It examines his ideas, including the intersections between his metaphysics, epistemology, ethical and political thought and his famous claim that reality consists of monads (unities).

A comprehensive and bang up-to-date guide - ideal for undergraduates - to the work of Jurgen Habermas, one of the most important living philosophers, that provides a clear, accessible and authoritative account of his wide-ranging and ambitious philosophical project.

Provides an introduction to literary theory from basic information and orientation for the uninformed leading on to sophisticated readings. This book offers a guide to the major theories and theorists, including: humanism; structuralism; poststructuralism; psychoanalytic approaches; feminist approaches; ideology and discourse; and more.

Presenting a commentary on the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein, this book offers guidance to reading Wittgenstein and a methodology for interpreting his works. It covers the entirety of Wittgenstein's career, examining the relationship between the early, middle and later periods of his philosophy.

Christology, the study of the nature and person of Christ, caused the first major schism with the Christian church. This guide provides a basic definition of Christology and examines the key debates and defining moments in the early Church and the Reformation.