Volume 123 Issue 4 July/August 2008

Cover Story

Torch bearers: Politics, religion and money may be wrestling to control the Olympics. But, argues Paul Sims, they’ll never be a match for the sheer drama

Religion is bullshit: From philosophy to fart jokes George Carlin always got there first, says Robin Ince
Revolutionising Tom Paine: Recording his new radio play, Trevor Griffiths discovered the true revolutionary spirit of Tom Paine

On neutral ground: We have already invented a way for the devout and the godless to get along in public, says Paul Kelly. We just have to believe in it
Gender traitors: From 19th century anti-suffragists to today’s anti-feminists, Sally Feldman finds a common link between women who turn against themselves
Magical mystery tour: Natalie Haynes goes in search of spiritual enlightenment
The genius myth: Laurie Taylor interviews Lisa Jardine: Lisa Jardine tells Laurie Taylor why she believes in doubt, precision and uncertainty
Inside the global rebellion: The 21st century has seen the world rocked by a variety of religious challenges to the secular state. Mark Juergensmeyer went in search of common features
Mistaken identity: Obsessing about culture traps people in their own history, argues Kenan Malik

Diary: Return to the Festival: Twenty-five years after his first Edinburgh appearance, Arnold Brown's hoping to become an overnight sensation
Endgame: Back to basics: Laurie Taylor flexes his muscles

Roots: Caspar Melville unravels the rise and fall of dreadlocks
Caution, falling moguls: Is he a loser, a kvetcher, a fatalist or a comic genius? Michael Bywater goes in search of the real Woody Allen

True Norwegian Black Metal by Peter Beste: In deepest Scandinavia, Keith Kahn-Harris discovers social democratic Satanism
The Last Jews of Kerala by Edna Fernandes: Ben Rich misses the last Jews of Kerala
The Sleeping Giant Has Awoken: The New Politics of Religion in the United States: Owen Hatherley gets to grips with the Religious Right
Russia: A Journey to the Heart of a Land and its People by Jonathan Dimbleby: Michael Binyon tours Russia with Jonathan Dimbleby
A Good & Happy Child by Justin Evans: Philip Womack is absolutely terrified by a spooky debut novel
Nobility of Spirit: A Forgotten Ideal by Rob Riemen: Jenny Bunker sips the spirit of nobility