This book investigates the persistent and evolving nature of blasphemy as a legal and social category within contemporary, increasingly secular societies. Yvonne Sherwood, a scholar of religion and culture, examines how the concept of blasphemy remains a potent force despite modern shifts toward secularism. She utilizes historical analysis and contemporary case studies to argue that blasphemy is not a relic of the past but a dynamic tool used to navigate power, identity, and the visibility of marginalized groups in the modern world.

Scholars in the fields of religious studies and law frequently cite this work for its nuanced exploration of how ancient concepts persist in modern political structures. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous framework for understanding the ongoing tensions between religious expression and secular governance.