In Praise of Polytheism

Name: In Praise of Polytheism
Brand: Unknown
SKU: 9780520342248
Price: 47.99 NZD
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By Maurizio Bettini

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3.79

( 135 ratings, 21 reviews)

Summary

In Praise of Polytheism by Maurizio Bettini explores how ancient polytheistic religions, with their inherent inclusivity and pluralism, offer valuable lessons for building more equitable and diverse societies today. Bettini challenges the common perception that ancient faiths are outdated or inferior, instead highlighting their alignment with contemporary progressive values and the broader possibilities they open beyond monotheistic frameworks.
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Format: Hardback

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In Praise of Polytheism

$47⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in religion and spirituality, students of history and classics, and anyone curious about ancient religions' relevance to modern social and political issues.

Description

What ancient polytheistic religions can teach us about building inclusive and equitable futures.

At the heart of this book is a simple comparison: monotheistic religions are exclusive, whereas ancient polytheistic religions are inclusive. In this thought-provoking book, Maurizio Bettini, one of today’s foremost classicists, uses the expansiveness of ancient polytheism to shine a bright light on a darker corner of our modern times.

It can be easy to see ancient religions as inferior, less free, and remote from shared visions of a more inclusive world. But, as Bettini deftly shows, many ancient practices tended to produce results aligned with contemporary progressive values, like pluralism and diversity. In Praise of Polytheism does not chastise the modern world or blame monotheism for all our woes but rather shows in clear, sharp prose how much we can learn from ancient religions, underscoring the limitations of how we view the world and ourselves today.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as a thought-provoking and valuable contribution, this book is recommended for students, historians of religion, and those interested in interreligious dialogue. Publishers Weekly notes its insight into how Roman polytheism can aid in understanding diversity, while World History Encyclopedia calls it highly recommended and excellent for educational purposes. Reading Religion and the Religious History Association acknowledge its significance and timely exploration of alternatives to monotheism.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780520342248

Publisher: University of California Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 31 January 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: University of California Press

Contributors:

Translated by Douglas Grant Heise

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 318g

Pages: 164

Collections

Maurizio Bettini Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality

About the Author

Maurizio Bettini is Professor of Classical Philology at the University of Siena, where he is Director of the Center for the Anthropology of the Ancient World. He is author of more than twenty scholarly books and five novels, including winners of the Prix Bristol des Lumières and the Premio Letterario Mondello.