Synopses & Reviews
This important book describes as accurately as possible the religious situation of Great Britain at the end of the twentieth century, and evaluates this evidence within a sociological framework.
Two key themes emerge within the book. The first concerns the growing mismatch between indices of religious belief in this country, which remain relatively high, and statistics which reflect either religious membership (in its strict sense) or religious practices, both of which demonstrate a marked decline in the post-war period. Hence the phrase `believing without belonging' which becomes, almost, a refrain within the book. The sacred persists but not necessarily in traditional forms.
The second theme concerns the European framework within which the book is set. As Britain moves inexorably - if not always very steadily - to a greater European identity, the considerable variety of religious cultures within the United Kingdom take on a new significance.
Religion in Britain since 1945 will be welcomed by anyone interested in religion in contemporary society.
Review
"For some time a book has been needed on the sociology of religion in Britain and that need has been met admirably and comprehensively by Grace Davie. This will be the standard text for at least a decade."
Professor David Martin, London School of Economics "A wonderfully readable history and a liberating experience." Roger Bowen, St John's College, Nottingham
"It will remain a valuable resource and a provocative challenge for years to come." The Tablet
"A Scholarly analysis from a sociological point of view of the religious situation in contemporary Britain, including aspects of secularization and the "believing without belonging" pattern". Missiology: An International Review, Vol. XXIII, No.3, July 1995
"A clear and penetrating analysis of many of the main contours of religion in modern Britain." Reviews in Religion
Synopsis
This important book describes as accurately as possible the religious situation of Great Britain at the end of the twentieth century, and evaluates this evidence within a sociological framework.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [210]-220 ) and index.
About the Author
Grace Davie lectures in Sociology at the University of Exeter and is the co-author (with G. Ahern) of Inner City God.
Table of Contents
Frontispiece:
Ordinary God, : Donald Davie.
Foreword: Professor David Martin.
1. Introduction.
2. A Rapidly Changing Context.
3. The Sacred and the Secular: Religious Generations in Post-war Britain.
4. Religious Constituencies.
5. The Ordinary Gods of British Society.
6. Believing without Belonging: Variations on a Theme.
7. Handing on the Tradition: The Significance of Age and Gender.
8. Church and State: A Framework for Discussion.
9. Religious Professionals: Lay and Ordained.
10. Religion and Modernity: A Theoretical Postscript.
Bibliography and References.
Index.