Blasphemy: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #681

by Yvonne Sherwood

In a world where not everyone believes in God, "blasphemy" is surely a concept that has passed its use-by-date. And yet blasphemy (like God and religion) seems to be on the rise. In this Very Short Introduction, Yvonne Sherwood asks why this should be the case, looking at factors such as the increased visibility of religious and racial minorities, new media, and engines of surveillance (which are far more omniscient than the old gods could ever be), and the legacies of colonial blasphemy laws.

Throughout, Sherwood uncovers new histories, from the story of accidentally blasphemous cartoons, to the close associations between blasphemy, sex, and birth control. She also argues that blasphemy itself involves an inherent contradiction in imagining the divine as an entity that must be revered above all, yet also a being that could possibly be hurt by anything that happens in the merely human sphere. Unpicking some of the most famous cases of blasphemy, Sherwood also looks at obscure instances, asking why some "blasphemies" have become infamous, while others have disappeared.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published December 7, 2021

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of a topic that’s often overlooked. Generally the author does a great job of covering the subject comprehensively. However, there’s a strong tendency to repetition. In one case (Pasolini prosecuted under laws implemented in the 1930s) the same facts are repeated within five sentences of each other.

Also, some famous examples are left out or glossed over. There’s no mention of the “Piss Christ” affair in the US, nor of the Terrence McNally play “Corpus Christie”. “The Last Temptation of Christ” was mentioned so briefly the indexer missed it.

Nonetheless, an interesting read. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to four.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was curious as to what I would find in a book covering this subject. What the author offers is a relativizing of the concept of blasphemy, making it something of a plastic concept that can be molded to fit the occasion (marginalization of minorities, political oppression, etc.). Therefore, while it will not be adequate or accurate for the reader desiring a fuller picture on the religious implications of blasphemy (which the author is less than sympathetic toward), it provides a clear account of the social and political dimensions of blasphemy, broadly construed, and as such is a helpful read for how the 'other' is various negotiated.

[Steve Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent book. A poor audiobook.

The topic. Is fascinating and it’s well written, but the audio quality is poor. The narrator sounds as if she’s reading through a coffee can opened at both ends. In my car it was difficult to understand what she was saying. She read in a voice so neutral and free of inflection-like an A.I. voice-that it made the interesting dull.

Other narrators for this series have done the same, leaving me to wonder if a producer is demanding it.

Give me Grover Gardner any day.

[Taylor Swift Scholar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Nothing surprising here.