Description: In the first book of his new trilogy on Sociological Theology, Gill argues that a sociological perspective makes an important contribution to theology. Having explored objections raised by theologians and sociologists, Gill explains that a proper understanding of social context is a prerequisite for effective theology and illustrates how sociological perspective offers crucial insights into resurgent forms of fundamentalism. This book presents an important, fresh account of social context in the modern world.
Review Quotes: 'This is a work of remarkable scope and learning. You have to do a huge amount of intellectual heavy lifting aided by goodwill to achieve this degree of clarity and charity on what is far too contentious a subject. One criterion of a good book is that it sends you back to some classics with a better idea of what they are about, and saves you a great deal of unnecessary reading. This is a very good book.' David Martin, Emeritus Professor, and Fellow of the British Academy 'This is a stimulating book that should encourage theologians and all intelligent religious believers not to fear sociology but to take it seriously.' Church of England Newspaper 'Workmanlike and accessible, this is a useful text, not least because it should also stimulate further reading, particularly of those sociologists, such as David Martin and Peter Berger, who also happen to be Christians, and whose theological literacy so clearly enriches their sociological judgement.' Church Times 'Together [the three volumes] constitute Gill's systematic account of his "theological social system", his "sociological theology". They collate a lifetime's work of substantial breadth and depth, a testimony to the care and persistence of its academic and clerical author. Gill's three volumes hang together as a considerable academic contribution.' Themelios