Christianity and the Limits of Materiality

This book explores the complex relationship between Christianity and materiality, examining how Christians navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the physical world. It argues that the ambivalent relationships many Christians have with materiality contribute to the diverse ways in which Christianity is understood and practiced around the world. By focusing on the boundaries and limits of materiality, the book addresses a gap in previous studies and provides insights into how Christians create and justify their faith at the intersection of materiality and the transcendent.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 296 pages
\n Publication date: 27 December 2018
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Despite the widespread perception that Christianity is closely entwined with materiality, objects, and things, many Christians find it challenging to navigate this aspect of their daily lives. This book argues that the complex and often ambivalent relationships that Christians have with materiality play a significant role in shaping how individuals within different Christian traditions and across different regions interpret and practice their faith. By prioritizing the exploration of boundaries and limits, the volume seeks to shed light on the precise manner in which Christianity manifests itself materially, addressing a gap in previous studies.

Christianity and the Limits of Materiality delves into the frameworks and contexts that shape the ways in which Christians understand and engage with materiality. The book situates the negotiations around the boundaries of materiality within the broader context of Christian identities and the politics of belonging. The chapters present case studies from various regions, including North and South America, Europe, and Africa, highlighting how the limits that Christians encounter both constrain and enable their lives.

Through these case studies, the book demonstrates that the boundaries that Christians establish define their religious practices and experiences. It explores how Christians navigate the tensions between the material world and the transcendent, seeking to find meaning and purpose in both. The volume emphasizes that the interfaces between materiality and the supernatural are where Christians create and legitimize their faith, shaping their beliefs, values, and practices.

In conclusion, Christianity and the Limits of Materiality offers a valuable contribution to the study of religion and materiality. By exploring the complex and multifaceted relationships between Christians and materiality, the book provides insights into the ways in which individuals and communities interpret and practice their faith in diverse contexts. It sheds light on the boundaries that shape Christian lives and the strategies they employ to navigate these limits, ultimately demonstrating the ways in which Christianity manifests itself materially and the significance of these interfaces in the construction of religious identities.

\n Weight: 456g\n
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781350094642\n \n