ABSTRACT

This book is, as the reader will quickly note, an eclectic collection of essays covering heaven and earth and most things in-between or, as the title suggests, death, life and laughter. We hope, however, that the worst excesses of diversity leading to lack of clarity have been avoided and that this volume is a coherent whole worthy of the academic it is written to honour. The wideranging nature of the contents of this book is nothing more and nothing less than a reflection of the broad and generous nature of Douglas Davies’ scholarship. It is also an attempt to contribute to an academic approach which he represents, namely making innovative connections where others do not see them and daring to challenge disciplinary boundaries to further the greater aim of developing the science of the study of religion and theology. Davies has pursued this greater aim for the best part of 45 years now, providing, along the way, nuanced insights into important questions of our time and always having fun while doing so.