Doubts and Loves : What Is Left of Christianity

by Holloway, Richard

• ISBN13: 9781841953823
• ISBN10: 1841953822
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-01
• Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd

Summary

Arguing that it is better to use Christianity as good poetry than as bad science, Holloway sets out to deconstruct its doctrines. His intention, however, "is positive; it is to craft from the Christian past a usable ethic for our own time," and to invigorate an institution prone to preserve itself rather than the vision it carries. The result is a timely and hugely important book: a heartfelt and passionately argued case for salvaging the challenge of Jesus by revealing the essence of his teachings and showing why they remain revolutionary, humane, and of massive spiritual importance. Holloway revels in pluralism, making cultural, political, sociological, and philosophical connections, bringing together the work of poets, critics, political theorists, and philosophers, and offering spiritual hope to the millions around the world who feel that the church has lost its way. "I don't know when I have been more impressed, indeed, excited, by a work." -- Ruth Rendell "Doubts and Loves ... responds honestly and with great intelligence to the religious dilemma of our times." -- Karen Armstrong, author of A History of God "Doubts and Loves ... is an involved, painful, personal struggle with the Big Questions." -- Jeanette Winterson, The Times (London)

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgements	xii
PART ONE The Shaking of the Foundations
The End of Christianity	3	(16)
Burning Bright	19	(14)
Where all the Ladders Start	33	(12)
Cracking the Code	45	(20)
PART TWO Rebuilding the Ruins
Go Down Moses	65	(14)
Blaming Eve	79	(15)
Heart of Darkness	94	(17)
Get out of Jail Free	111	(16)
The Big Bang	127	(15)
Putting it all Together	142	(16)
The Old Firm	158	(25)
PART THREE What is Left of Christianity
The Outsider	183	(16)
Unconquered Hope	199	(17)
Rewinding the Past	216	(16)
For Love of the World	232	(20)
Notes	252	(7)
Select Bibliography	259