Knowledge Nuggets: OUP VSI's

A few of my VSI's...

This post is, sort of, a cheat sheet for general knowledge and lightweight general nerdiness. It's not a book review - because these books are too good to review. I've said before how much I like, value and appreciate reading - read this post - and have lots of books that I've read, reviewed and recommended here.

Basically, if you don't know something about something (and there are a lot of things I know very little about), get the Oxford University Press "Very Short Introduction" to it. Thats the summary of this post, and its my general knowledge advice for anyone. I was introduced to the VSI's in my second year of university, where E.P.Sanders one on 'Paul' was on the reading list. For those not in the know, Sanders is one of the top Pauline scholars of recent years (regardless of what you think about what he writes) and this VSI is an excellent introduction to the incredibly deep and wide discipline of studying one of the central early figures of Christianity. 

Some of my favourite VSI's are ones I've bought to try and fill some holes in my knowledge. Being a Christian in the west, particularly in the UK, means engaging with people of other religions and none. I've got the VSI's on Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam - and they have proved invaluable at getting my apologetics knowledge and so on up to speed. Each has an excellent further reading list (which the VSI prepares your brain for), comprehensive indexes and terms, and is generally an excellent introduction to the various subjects. In one module at university I had to communicate with the imam of a local mosque for a project - and it was good to have been equipped and aware of various elements of Islamic practice and etiquette. 

Others in my (small but growing!) collection relate to two fascinating figures: Machiavelli and Nietzsche. Having done some work, and read a few introductions to both of them, I found the VSI's for the two of them the most helpful. Both names (and various derivatives, mutations and versions) of their ideas are common parlance - and an understanding of individuals like these who have had a hand in shaping and influencing our culture and attitudes. Similarly, I've found the VSI on "Science and Religion" to be very helpful; with historian Thomas Dixon providing a reasoned and helpful voice for relating the two and understanding how they work. I've written a little about Creation Doctrine, in light of the general furore and misunderstanding of the issue, and would recommend this VSI as a helpful secular voice.

I have a variety of others in my collection, and am always on the look out in charity shops for their familiar technicolor covers, because I think knowledge is worth gathering, and these are cheaper than a library on each topic! Ultimately, I read in order to fuel my mind, and my understanding of things, not least what has made the culture and context I find myself in. Culture seems to be shaped by notable figures and movements - for me the most notable one is Jesus. I am currently enjoying Richard Bauckham's "Jesus: A Very Short Introduction". Bauckham is an eminent and respected New Testament and historical Theology scholar, who is well placed to write a VSI. This is a hallmark of all the VSI books I've read thus far: written by genuine experts, and concise but comprehensive. I'm also reading Bauckham's big book, "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses", and the two reflect well into each other. Understanding things is vital - and I think the VSI's offer a great set of knowledge nuggets. Highly recommended.

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If your appetite for little bits of knowledge is whetted, and you have some time, then get involved with some recent posts! I just recently reviewed "The Historical Jesus: Five Views", which is a broad scholarly overview of that crucial subject. You might also like "Creation Doctrine", which I wrote after reviewing and discussion BBC 3's recent programme on creationists.