Sociology, Theology, and the Curriculum: (Theology in Dialogue)

In this book, theologians reflect on sociological methods, explore social theories of the human agent, and offer a theological transformation of sociology. Spanning such developments as local, non-stipendiary ministries, the identification of the roots of church growth, and giving voice to gay and lesbian Christians, this collection of innovative essays provides a fascinating and important dialogue on how the seemingly disparate fields of sociology and theology can illuminate and enrich one other. This is essential reading for anyone concerned with the shifting dynamics of these two disciplines.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Introduction: Christian foundations, sociological fundamentals, Rev Canon Prof David Martin; a theological response to sociology, Rev Canon Prof Ronald Preston. Part 2 Theoretical perspectives: theological reflection and sociological method, Andrew Dawson; social theories of the human agent and monastic dialogue, Jeff Vass; the problem of charismatic religious experience for the sociology of religion - label or libel?, Rev Canon Dr Martyn Percy; sociological methodologies and the changing nature of contemporary fundamentalism, Stephen J. Hunt; researching the Toronto blessing - sociological and theological reflections, Elizabeth Scantlebury; sociology and evangelical theological colleges, Tony Walter. Part 3 Empirical perspectives: the socialization of glossolalia, Mark Cartledge; Pentecostalism -charismatic and church growth, William K. Kay; God's faithful servant Morris Cerullo - an American revivalist in Britain, Nancy A. Schaefer; sociology students and Christianity in church colleges, Bernadette Casey et al; immanent faith - young people in late modernity, Sylvia Collins; church leaving in the late 20th century - eschewing a double life, Philip Richter; gay and lesbian Christians - the lived experience, Andrew K.T. Yip; developing identity as a local non-stipendiary priest, Rev Canon Dr Michael West.

About the Author :
Leslie J Francis is Professor of Religions and Education at the University of Warwick and Canon Theologian at Bangor Cathedral.

Review :
"(The collection of essays) shows how fruitful 'theology in dialogue' (the series title) can be in practice. It also provides a convincing riposte to those tempted to share John Milbank's over-presumption, in "Theology and Social Thought," that sociology has little or nothing to offer theology per se." "This book provides a valuable exploration of the relationship between fields of theology and sociology....will prove valuable to graduate students in sociology and theology. It will be most helpful to scholars and academic administrators seeking to responsibly break out of overly rigid disciplinary divisions, and to find the place of ‘secular' and ‘religious' modes of inquiry in the university."