About the book
‘A richly entertaining history of the ways in which, for 3,000 years, the church has tied itself in knots over sex (and love and marriage) … fabulous’ Observer
The Bible observes that God made humanity ‘for a while a little lower than the angels’. If humans are that close to angels, does the difference lie in human sexuality and what we do with it? In a single lifetime, Christianity or historically Christian societies have witnessed one of the most extraordinary about-turns in attitudes to sex and gender in human history, bringing liberation for some and fury and fear for others.
This book by Oxford's Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church seeks to calm fears and encourage understanding by telling the 3000-year-long tale of Christians encountering sex, gender and the family, with noises off from their sacred texts. It beckons us to pay attention to the sheer glorious complexity and contradictions in the history of Christianity, an epic of ordinary and extraordinary Christians trying to make sense of themselves and of humanity’s deepest desires, fears and hopes.
Editions of Lower than the Angels
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780241400937
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780141990958
- EBook
- ISBN 9780241400951
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781802066586
Read an Excerpt
‘A richly entertaining history of the ways in which, for 3,000 years, the church has tied itself in knots over sex (and love and marriage) … fabulous’ Observer
The Bible observes that God made humanity ‘for a while a little lower than the angels’. If humans are that close to angels, does the difference lie in human sexuality and what we do with it? In a single lifetime, Christianity or historically Christian societies have witnessed one of the most extraordinary about-turns in attitudes to sex and gender in human history, bringing liberation for some and fury and fear for others.
This book by Oxford's Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church seeks to calm fears and encourage understanding by telling the 3000-year-long tale of Christians encountering sex, gender and the family, with noises off from their sacred texts. It beckons us to pay attention to the sheer glorious complexity and contradictions in the history of Christianity, an epic of ordinary and extraordinary Christians trying to make sense of themselves and of humanity’s deepest desires, fears and hopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lower than the Angels about?
‘A richly entertaining history of the ways in which, for 3,000 years, the church has tied itself in knots over sex (and love and marriage) … fabulous’ Observer
The Bible observes that God made humanity ‘for a while a little lower than the angels’. If humans are that close to angels, does the difference lie in human sexuality and what we do with it? In a single lifetime, Christianity or historically Christian societies have witnessed one of the most extraordinary about-turns in attitudes to sex and gender in human history, bringing liberation for some and fury and fear for others.
This book by Oxford's Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church seeks to calm fears and encourage understanding by telling the 3000-year-long tale of Christians encountering sex, gender and the family, with noises off from their sacred texts. It beckons us to pay attention to the sheer glorious complexity and contradictions in the history of Christianity, an epic of ordinary and extraordinary Christians trying to make sense of themselves and of humanity’s deepest desires, fears and hopes.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lower than the Angels?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Social and cultural history
Where can I read a sample of Lower than the Angels?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241400937
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lower than the Angels?
Diarmaid MacCulloch
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Lower than the Angels is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780241400937) and paperback(ISBN 9780141990958) and ebook(ISBN 9780241400951) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781802066586)
Where can I buy Lower than the Angels online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Lower than the Angels from below
Where can I buy Lower than the Angels?