The Enchantment of Sociology

A unique study of the link between theology and culture from a sociological perspective which addresses the issue of the pursuit of enchantment in the context of postmodernity. Sociology is applied to sociology itself to discern its own domestic response to theological readings of culture. A novel reading of Simmel, Bourdieu and Weber in relation to the Swiss Catholic theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar, produces a controversial critique of assumptions regarding religious belief in the context of debates on secularisation and postmodernity.

Preface to the 1999 Reprint Preface Sociology, Culture and Religious Belief: Some Reflections 'To Be or Not To Be': the Sociologist's Dilemma Theology and Culture: an Ambiguous Encounter The Disappearance of God: the Secularisation of Sociology Concealing and Revealing: the Cultural Prospects of Belief To Canaan's Side: Crossing Culture in Theological and Sociological Safety Notes and References Bibliography Index