‘Rising from the ashes of 5,000 years of oppression and banishment to the religious underground, neo-paganism is now emerging as a viable body of transformative spirituality’ (Andora Judith). Jonathan Skinner chooses to quote these words as he opens this most helpful and accessible book on the resurgence of paganism in modern society.

In fifteen helpful chapters, each with questions for further discussion, the author tackles his subject under three sections: understanding the times; understanding contemporary paganism; and the biblical answer to contemporary paganism. In the first section Skinner lays open for us how pagan practices are entering into our daily lives; environmentalism, alternative therapies, visualisation, yoga, meditation, magic, astrology, and business training seminars are all given the once-over. In the second section of the book he gives a brief but incisive survey, interacting with the material of pagan writers, as he plots the history behind modern pagan practices and more importantly the philosophy that under-girds them. In the final section he wants us to understand these practices so that we can give an appropriate Christian response. One wishes that the writer had developed this section far more extensively than he did. 

In the face of the overwhelming onslaught of paganism into modern British society, far from being downbeat, the author ends on the encouraging note that the main thrust of the scriptures is against paganism and reminds us that it is already a defeated enemy and he sees ‘Mr Average and Mrs Normality’s’ increasing awareness of a ‘spiritual dimension’ as a God-given opportunity for an intelligent proclamation of the gospel to our generation. Thought provoking, helpful and one for the reference section of your library.

John Woolley