This book provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to Arendt's key ideas and texts, ideal for students coming to her work for the first time. Hannah Arendt is considered to be one of the most influential political thinkers of the twentieth century. Although her writing is somewhat clear, the enormous breadth of her work places particular demands on the student coming to her thought for the first time. "Arendt: A Guide for the Perplexed" provides a clear, concise and accessible introduction to this hugely important political thinker. The book examines the most important themes of Hannah Arendt's work, as well as the main controversies surrounding it. Karin Fry explores the systematic nature of Arendt's political thought that arose in response to the political controversies of her time and describes how she sought to envision a coherent framework for thinking about politics in a new way.Thematically structured and covering all Arendt's key writings and ideas, this book is designed specifically to meet the needs of students coming to her work for the first time. "Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

The Honourable Ratts are a distinguished family whose ancestors appeared at a time when witches were commonplace and giants roamed the land. They built their ancestral home, Clawfoot Hall, and they began collecting the Great Ratt Hoard - that is, any and every item of gold they could lay their hands on. At the time of this story, the Ratts are diminished in size and stature and now live under the floorboards of Clawfoot Hall. Then one day, everything changes. The ancient enemies of the Ratts have tracked them down and they are looking for ...the Great Ratt Hoard. The future of the Ratts is at stake. They must protect their inheritance at all costs. This is an exciting and action-packed story of the unusual, rodent-like family and their search for treasure with villains on their trail.

This book addresses the complex issues involved in teaching philosophy at undergraduate level. In the current academic climate, teaching is often seen as secondary to research. "Teaching Philosophy" seeks to bring teaching philosophy higher on the academic agenda. An international team of contributors, all of whom share the view that philosophy is a subject that can transform students, offers practical guidance and advice for teachers of philosophy.The book suggests ways in which the teaching of philosophy at undergraduate level might be facilitated. Some of the essays place the emphasis on individual self discovery, others focus on the wider political context, many offer practical ideas for enhancing the teaching of philosophy through exercises that engage students in often unconventional ways. The integration of students' views on teaching provides a necessary reminder that teaching is not a one-way process, but a project that will ultimately succeed through cooperation and a shared sense of achievement amongst participants. This thoughtful and important book emphasises the responsibility of the philosophy teacher towards his or her students and to society in general.

This is a comprehensive and essential introductory textbook on the New Testament by an eminent professor in the field. "The New Testament in Context" is the fruit of a scholarly life teaching the New Testament to undergraduate students.George Shillington, now Emeritus Professor at Canadian Mennonite University, has written a textbook on the New Testament which stresses the varying social, rhetorical and theological contexts of these twenty-seven texts. He introduces the book by emphasizing the importance of 'context' for reading 'texts'. The discussion then moves onto a description of the socio-rhetorical and theological approach, illustrated by exploring a text from one of Paul's letters. The usefulness of a socio-rhetorical reading is often limited by neglecting to recognize the theological aspect of a text. Shillington's textbook addresses this tendency by never losing sight of the theological dimension. The discussion is then broadened out to explore the larger context of the New Testament world within which the various documents were written.In addition to leading the students into the texture of the texts, Shillington encourages them to engage in interpretation, e.g. for writing an exegetical essay on a given text. Terms of reference are defined along the way, and different schools of thought on given subjects are brought to light. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for further research on the particular material.

In Religious Cohesion in Times of Conflict Andrew Holden presents the results and analysis of the key findings of a sociological investigation which seeks to establish the contribution that Christian-Muslim partnerships can make to community cohesion. Beginning with a historical and sociological overview of faith relations, a description of the empirical methodology and a discussion of the evolution of Christian-Muslim partnerships, Andrew Holden goes on to highlight how the fieldwork data demonstrates the challenges of uniting young people in segregated towns and cities. He considers the implications of the findings for education policy, examining some of the ways in which schools and colleges can promote faith cohesion, and further addresses the issue of faith leadership, considering how the changing faith landscape affects the work of Christian and Muslim clerics. He concludes by considering possible ways forward for Christian-Muslim relations both in Britain and in the international context and for the development of new partnerships between faith and secular organizations.>

It's simple: films need to have commercial value for the studios to produce them, distributors to sell them, and theater chains to screen them. While talent definitely plays a part in the writing process, it can be the well-executed formulaic approaches to the popular genres that will first get you noticed in the industry.

Genre Screenwriting: How to Write Popular Screenplays That Sell does not attempt to probe in the deepest psyche of screenwriters and directors of famous or seminal films, nor does it attempt to analyze the deep theoretic machinations of films. Duncan's simple goal is to give the reader, the screenwriter, a practical guide to writing each popular film genre. Employing methods as diverse as using fairy tales to illustrate the 'how to' process for each popular genre, and discussing these popular genres in modern television and its relation to its big screen counterpart, Duncan provides a one-stop shop for novices and professionals alike.

This book seeks to identify the recurrent tensions, the blatant points of emphasis, the recurring indications of conflict and polemic. Framing the issue of the disposition of the Scriptural heritage in broad terms, the authors all stress as a single point of insistence, the answer is self-evident. Nearly every Christianity and nearly all known Judaisms appeal for validation to the Scriptures of ancient Israel, their laws and narratives, their prophecies and visions.The authors seek to identify the recurrent tensions, the blatant points of emphasis, the recurring indications of conflict and polemic. Framing the issue of the disposition of the Scriptural heritage in broad terms, they describe what characterizes the Gospels and the Mishnah, the letters of Paul and the Tosefta. In other words, if they take whole and complete the writings of first and second century people claiming to form the contemporary embodiment of Scripture's Israel and ask what they all stress as a single point of insistence, the answer is self-evident.Nearly every Christianity and nearly all known Judaisms appeal for validation to the Scriptures of ancient Israel, their laws and narratives, their prophecies and visions. To Scripture all parties appeal - but not to the same verses of Scripture. In Scripture, all participants to the common Israelite culture propose to find validation - but not to a common theological program subject to diverse interpretation. From Scripture, every community of Judaism and Christianity takes away what it will, but not with the assent of all the others.

"A" "to Z of Philosophy "is a fun, concise and accessible introduction to a fascinating subject. Ideal for the general reader or first-year student, this A to Z guide covers all the key terms, concepts and thinkers. The book offers more than 100 entries on topics from Animal Ethics to Wittgenstein and includes witty anecdotes and handy tips on further reading. Entries cover all the key concepts and figures in philosophy, but also include philosophical looks at everyday topics such as food, love, happiness and sex. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required to enjoy this reader-friendly guide - this is the ideal reference tool for anyone starting out in philosophy. More than 100 A to Z entries, including: Aesthetics / Art Buddhist PhilosophyCrime / PunishmentDescartesEpistemologyEthicsHappinessKantLanguageLogicLoveMindNietzscheOntologyPhenomenologyPlatoPolitical PhilosophyReasonReligionScienceTimeWittgenstein>

This book presents an accessible introduction to the complex topic of Myth. Ellwood examines theories, meanings and interpretations, all of which are structured around a typical programme of study. Myth is a complex but vital component of an understanding of religion, and issues surrounding the modern discipline of mythology are often fraught with difficulty. In "Myth: Key Concepts in Religion" students will find all the tools they need to achieve an understanding of this complicated topic.Structured around a typical programme of study, Robert Ellwood's accessible introduction covers all the major theories concerning the meaning and interpretation of myth, from structuralist to psychoanalystic, and includes illustrative examples throughout, including modern literary and cinematic myths, from "The Lord of the Rings" to "Star Wars.""Key Concepts in Religion" is a series of concise, accessible and engaging introductions to the core ideas and subjects encounters in the study of religion. Specially written to meet the need of students and those with an interest in, but little prior knowledge of, religion, the books open up fascinating, yet sometimes difficult ideas.

This is a new introduction to Nietzsche, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Covering all the key concepts of Nietzsche's work, "Starting with Nietzsche" provides an accessible introduction to the development of and motivation behind the ideas that are embodied in his key works. Thematically structured, the book encourages the reader to engage with Nietzsche's thought, leading him or her to a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns and the enormous influence of his ideas.Offering coverage of the full range of Nietzsche's writings, the book shows that, despite Nietzsche's notoriously anti-systematic approach, his philosophy in fact constitutes a coherent and unified system of thought. Crucially the book introduces the major motivations and influences behind Nietzsche's work, clarifies his idea of the role of the philosopher and demonstrates the impact his work has had on a huge range of topics in contemporary scholarship. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time."Continuum's Starting With"...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Beyond the Reformation? sheds fresh light on divisive issues of authority in the Christian Church and puts them in a new historical and ecumenical perspective. Against the background of the perennial tension between the mystical and the institutional dynamics in the life of the Church, it goes beyond the tragic divisions of the Reformation era in two major ways. First, it examines the power struggles of the medieval period, the largely abortive attempts at reform, and the theological solutions to apparently intractable divisions that were proposed by the Conciliar Movement and enacted by the reforming councils of the fifteenth century. It shows how the legacy of conciliar theology was both continued and modified by the Continental and Anglican Reformers and how this has shaped the churches in the modern world. It examines the question of continuity and discontinuity in the Reformation, seeing that event as an unresolved argument within the family of the Western Church. But this book also seeks to move beyond the Reformation in a second way. Drawing on Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican theology, the book explores the theme of conciliar and primatial authority in relation to the ecumenical quest for reconciliation and unity in the fragmented Church of today. In this major, ground-breaking work, Anglican theologian and ecumenist Paul Avis adds to his repertoire of studies of authority in the Christian Church, brings together historical, confessional and ecumenical aspects of ecclesiology, and charts a course for convergence between the major traditions on the thorny questions of authority, primacy and unity.

A new addition to the "Guides for the Perplexed" series, this new book on Tillich will analyze, clarify and connect the most central and difficult of Tillich's theological concepts. Tillich's main contribution to theology was to offer an account of the significance of human agency within the history of God's salvation of the world. Amidst the hopelessness of a world twice at war, Tillich introduced an apologetic theological approach, which he deemed a necessary counterpoint to the resulting despair of existentialism on one hand and the reaction of religious fundamentalism on the other. In order to address both the human situation and the Christian message, Tillich articulated the consonance not only between the disciplines of theology and philosophy, but also between some of their major concepts and the daily experience of them in religion and culture. The result was an approach to theology that spanned an unparalleled breadth of philosophical concepts and discussions.While some historical and contextual introduction is provided, this new "Guide for the Perplexed" is focused on analyzing, clarifying and connecting the most central and difficult of Tillich's theological concepts. We consult major works, like the "Systematic Theology", 'The Courage to Be", "Dynamics of Faith" and "The Protestant Era", but also some of Tillich's lesser known works, such as "The Interpretation of History" and his earliest writings on German philosophy. Additionally, some of the more prominent critiques of Tillich's approach help to understand the complexities of his theology.Continuum's "Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

"Graeme Harper is quite possibly the best person in the country to edit this book" -Richard Kerridge, Bath Spa University College, UK "T""he Creative Writing Guidebook "is the key text for learning creative writing. Packed full of useful advice, exercises and readings, it sets out an informative and inspiring introduction to writing creatively. Taking a practical, workshop approach to creative writing, this comprehensive guidebook includes: introductions to genres of writing, including the novel, poetry, screenwriting, new media and non-fiction; workshop exercises suitable for each genre; a wide-range of examples and suggestions for further reading and discussions of cross-genre issues such as point of view, character, setting and voice. Written by internationally renowned experts, this is the definitive textbook on creative writing for students. Contributors include: Catherine Dent, Ken Dancyge, Adrianne Finlay, Graeme Harper, Gill James, Jeri Kroll, Oliver Mayer, Graham Mort, William S. Penn, Hazel Smith, and Silas Zobal >

This title offers an investigation into the Christological ideas of three contemporary thinkers: Slavoj Zizek, Gianni Vattimo and Rene Girard.In the wake of Heidegger's announcement of the end of onto-theology and inspired by both Levinas and Derrida, many contemporary continental philosophers of religion search for a post-metaphysical God, a God who is often characterized as tout autre, wholly other.The Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek is an exception to this rule. First, he clearly has another source of inspiration: neither Heidegger, Levinas or Derrida, but Lacan and the great thinkers of German Idealism (Kant, Schelling, and Hegel). Moreover, he does not aim at tracing a post-metaphysical God. His 'turn' to Christianity is the result of his concern to 'save' the achievements of modernity from fundamentalism, post-modern relativism and religious obscurantism.The Italian philosopher Gianni Vattimo is an intermediary. His sources (mainly Nietzsche and Heidegger) seem to indicate that he aligns with those philosophers whose works are inspired by Heidegger, Levinas and Derrida. Indeed, Vattimo is also searching for the God who comes after metaphysics, but he explicitly rejects the wholly-other God. With Zizek, Vattimo shares a Christological interest, an attention for the event of the Incarnation and the conviction that the Incarnation amounts to the end of God's transcendence. Both thinkers also defend the uniqueness of Christianity vis-a-vis natural religiosity. In this way, they seem to share at least some affinity with the views of the French-American literary critic and fundamental anthropologist Rene Girard, who has also defended the uniqueness of Christianity and claims that the latter broke away from the violent transcendence of the natural religions.The book will investigate the Christological ideas of these three contemporary thinkers, focussing on the topics of the relation between transcendence and the event of the Incarnation on the one hand, and the topic of the uniqueness of Christianity on the other.

Written by a Muslim convert and mother of three, Welcome to Islam captures the occasionally poignant but often humorous reality of beinga Muslim in the current climate: as a convert, a working woman, amother, and as an active member of the local community. Discoverwhat its really like living life as a Muslim: praying the ritualprayers at work in an office when your boss walks in; going on Hajjwith hundreds of Saudi women dressed from head to toe in black; orexplaining to your six-year-old daughter, who is looking at thepictures in the newspaper, that the bearded Asian Muslim who is beingarrested for terrorism isnt in fact the family friend we all know andlove - just someone who looks extremely similar. It is rare topick up a newspaper or watch the television without encountering a'Muslim issue at least once. Lucy Bushill-Matthews story brings thefaith behind the headlines refreshingly to life.

In this significant and innovative contribution, Warren Carter explores "John's Gospel" as a work of imperial negotiation in the context of Ephesus, capital of the Roman province of Asia. Carter employs multiple methods, rejects sectarian scenarios, and builds on other Christian writings and recent studies of diaspora synagogues that combined participationist lifestyles with observance of distinctive practices to argue that imperial negotiation was a contested issue for late first-century Jesus-believers. While a number of Jesus-believers probably lived societally-accommodated lives, John's Gospel employs a "rhetoric of distance" to urge much less accommodation and to create an alternative "anti-society" for followers of Jesus crucified by the empire but vindicated by God.In addition to establishing this tense historical setting, chapters identify various arenas and strategies of imperial negotiation in wide-ranging discussions of the gospel's genre, plot, Christological titles, developing traditions, eternal life, the image of God as father, ecclesiology, Jesus' conflict with Pilate, and resurrection and ascension.Carter has explored interactions between the emerging Christian movement and the Roman Empire in various articles and book-length studies such as "Matthew and the Margins" (Orbis), "Matthew and Empire" (Trinity Press International/Continuum), "Pontius Pilate: Portraits of a Roman Governor" (Liturgical), and "The Roman Empire and the New Testament" (Abingdon).

This title is a concise and accessible introduction to this key theorist.Alain Badiou is undoubtedly the most exciting and influential voice in contemporary French philosophy and one of the most important theorists at work today. His impact on continental philosophy and the wider philosophy community, politics and the arts in the last twenty years has been immense."Alain Badiou: Live Theory" offers a concise and accessible introduction to his work and thought, laying out the central themes of his major works, including his magnum opus, "Being and Event", and its long-awaited sequel, "Logics of Worlds". Oliver Feltham explores the fundamental questions through which Badiou's philosophy constantly evolves, identifies the key turning points in his ideas, and makes a clear case for the coherence and powerful singularity of his thought when employed in the analysis of political and artistic situations. Feltham examines the thinkers and theorists with whom Badiou has engaged and who have engaged with him, arguing that Badiou's work is exciting precisely because it opens up new genealogies and new polemics in the intellectual landscape. The book includes a brand new interview with Badiou, in which he discusses his current concerns and future plans.This is the ideal companion to study for students and readers encountering this fascinating thinker for the first time.

This book explores the varying contexts in which indigenous filmmaking takes place and how they challenge some of the basic assumptions of viewers.Though interest in indigenous feature-length films has expanded greatly in recent years, there is as yet no book-length examination of this subject. "Native Features" will fill this gap.Written for students and the general viewing public, "Native Features" explores the varying contexts in which indigenous filmmaking takes place. The book demonstrates how indigenous films challenge some of the basic assumptions of viewers who experience these films while using national cinemas as their models. Each chapter includes little known information that is likely to increase the understanding and pleasure of all who view these diverse films."Native Features" should function as an essential guide for everyone interested in indigenous peoples or in innovative films.

It's Julia's 13th birthday, but despite all the celebrations, she can't get rid of the strange shivery tingle going down her spine. And why did the candles on her birthday cake blow themselves out on their own? Then, when she watches a home video of her celebrations, she notices a dark hazy shape leaning over her shoulder. She's sure it blew out the candles - but what is it?

Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir were two of the most brilliant, influential, and scandalous intellectuals of the 20th century. They are remembered as much for the lives they led as for their influence on the way we think. Their committed but notoriously open union created huge controversy in their lifetime. And even before their deaths they had become one of history's legendary couples, renowned for the passion, daring, humour and intellectual intensity of their relationship.This fascinating book presents a biography of Sartre and de Beauvoir's relationship and offers some highly original theories relating to the extent of de Beauvoir's contribution to their shared ideas. Edward and Kate Fullbrook contend that it was de Beauvoir's demand for sexual freedom that dictated the open terms of their relationship and that it was in fact de Beauvoir who was the more powerful thinker of the two. Through a thorough examination of Sartre and de Beauvoir's major works, the authors present a compelling story of their romantic and intellectual relationships.

Dean Lambert is trying to conquer his vertigo - but he's beginning to feel like he'll never jump from the high diving board he's nicknamed the Horror of the Heights. It doesn't help that his brother, Tim, is a championship diver, and his dad runs the Wave Crest Leisure Centre. His dad and brother are caught up in preparations for the leisure centre's upcoming diving championships. But then disaster strikes when the diving board collapses and Tim only just escapes being seriously injured. What's more, it appears the board has been sabotaged. Dean sets out to find the culprit - but will he catch them in time?

A.C. Grayling focuses on a series of central philosophical concerns in this excellent collection of essays, with each one contributing to the contemporary debates on these matters.A.C. Grayling is one of Britain's leading thinkers, highly regarded as a public philosopher of distinction as well as in academic circles for his scholarly work on Descartes, Berkeley, Russell and Wittgenstein, his writings on the problem of scepticism, his widely used Introduction to Philosophical Logic and (as editor) his two volume "Philosophy" and (as chief editor) the "Continuum Encyclopaedia of British Philosophy".This book serves as an excellent guide to Grayling's main philosophical concerns and shows the intellectual underpinning of much of his more popular work. This volume of selected essays includes his work in the philosophy of language and philosophical logic, with particular focus on truth, judgment and the realism-anti-realism debate. Each essay is intended as a further contribution to previous topics covered and aims to bring them up-to-date. As such, this collection does not aspire to be the last word on a theory, but rather to advance a perspective and add relevant suggestions to understanding them further.

This accessible introduction to the Psalms introduces readers to some of the key issues arising from different approaches to the biblical text. Alastair G. Hunter examines how current methods of interpretation - historical/cultural, literary, liturgical and theological - differ and complement each other. Hunter provides an overview of contemporary scholarship (including the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls Psalms) and examines some of the key texts and commentaries in use today. The book offers a way in to more detailed and more advanced Psalms study, and includes particular emphasis on literary and liturgical matters, which are often left out of traditional commentaries. Hunter seeks to do two things: to understand the psalms in themselves as deliberately arranged poetical and liturgical compositions; and to explore their literary and theological significance for contemporary readers. He considers the increasing body of work relating to groups of psalms, and reviews the results to date of that approach, which helps the reader to see the psalms as a more coherent collection of texts, and has implications for their exegesis and interpretation.

Terrorism poses an undeniable threat to societies throughout the world today. Martyr terrorism, the fastest growing form of terrorist activity, and arguably the most effective, has become a regular occurrence. But how has terrorist activity evolved in the last 100 years, and what are the ethical costs of terrorism?In this informative book, three philosophers, all experts on the ethics of conflict, examine the various definitions of terrorism and the nature of martyr terrorism. Through accounts of terrorist campaigns, this fascinating book explores the ethical implications of terrorism from a philosophical perspective. Setting out the social, psychological and political causes of terrorism, the book interrogates the cases for and against terrorist activity in terms of just war theory. Articulate, provocative and stimulating, this timely book is an ideal introduction to an important contemporary social issue."Think Now" is a brand new series of stimulating and accessible books examining key contemporary social issues from a philosophical perspective. Written by experts in philosophy, these books offer sophisticated and provocative yet engaging writing on political and cultural themes of genuine concern to the educated reader.

This is a comprehensive and thorough guide to Spinoza's masterpiece of Rationalist thought. "The Ethics" is one of the undisputed masterworks of early modern philosophy. In this single volume Spinoza offers the reader an unorthodox account of God, a novel version of the mind-body relation, a systematic theory of the emotions and a detailed prescription for human virtue and blessedness. Too controversial to be published during his lifetime, it was surreptitiously printed by Spinoza's friends after his death. Nowadays the Ethics is studied in university classes as an exemplary work of early modern rationalism. In "Spinoza's 'Ethics': A Reader's Guide", J. Thomas Cook explains the philosophical background against which the book was written and the key themes inherent in the text. The book then guides the reader to a clear understanding of the text as a whole, before exploring the reception and influence of this classic philosophical work. This is the ideal companion to study of this most influential and challenging of texts.