William Downes is currently Adjunct Professor of English and Linguistics, Glendon College, York University, Toronto and formerly lectured in linguistics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, and the University of East Anglia, Norwich.

'A rich, dense and engaging application of linguistic theory to the problem of religious concepts, ways of thinking, and experience.' Nigel Fabb, University of Strathclyde

• Introduction; 1. A cognitive theory of religion; 2. The supernatural and the uses of the intentional; 3. Dissemination and the comprehension of mysteries; 4. Pragmatics and pragmatism; 5. Authority; 6. Conceptual innovation and revelatory language.

William Downes is currently Adjunct Professor of English and Linguistics, Glendon College, York University, Toronto and formerly lectured in linguistics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, and the University of East Anglia, Norwich.

'A rich, dense and engaging application of linguistic theory to the problem of religious concepts, ways of thinking, and experience.' Nigel Fabb, University of Strathclyde

• Introduction; 1. A cognitive theory of religion; 2. The supernatural and the uses of the intentional; 3. Dissemination and the comprehension of mysteries; 4. Pragmatics and pragmatism; 5. Authority; 6. Conceptual innovation and revelatory language.

William Downes is currently Adjunct Professor of English and Linguistics, Glendon College, York University, Toronto and formerly lectured in linguistics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, and the University of East Anglia, Norwich.

'A rich, dense and engaging application of linguistic theory to the problem of religious concepts, ways of thinking, and experience.' Nigel Fabb, University of Strathclyde

• Introduction; 1. A cognitive theory of religion; 2. The supernatural and the uses of the intentional; 3. Dissemination and the comprehension of mysteries; 4. Pragmatics and pragmatism; 5. Authority; 6. Conceptual innovation and revelatory language.