Includes bibliographical references (pages 201-202) and index.
Contents:
Blasphemy in the ancient world -- Blasphemy in medieval Christendom -- Blasphemy and the Reformation -- Blasphemy and the Enlightenment -- Blasphemy in the nineteenth century -- Blasphemy in the twentieth century -- Blasphemy in the contemporary world.
Summary:
A phenomenon that spans human experience, from the ancient world right up to today's ferocious religious debates, blasphemy is an act of individuals, but also a widespread and constant presence in cultural, political and religious life. Acts Against God is the first accessible history of this crime - its prosecution, its impact and its punishment and suppression. The book begins in ancient Greece with the genesis of blasphemy's link with the state. From here we move on to blasphemy in the medieval world, in the Reformation and the Enlightenment. The book concludes with the twenty-first century, with individuals and the state seeking to adopt blasphemy as the means to resist the secular and the globalization of culture.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.