Christianity and cultural aspirations are inevitably in tension: the combination invites a suspicion that temporal pursuits have slackened a quest for divine approbation. Nevertheless, as Christians generally believe that worldly success may be a position of influence worth seeking for noble reasons, it is truly an area of tension, rather than merely temptation. This volume explores this lively juxtaposition in the context of modern Britain and America. In fifteen original essays, a range of well-respected scholars examine the cultural aspirations of a broad spectrum of Christians,...

How do churches and other religious organizations attempt to order themselves in a secular age? Is a theocracy possible within a democracy? To what extent should churches borrow 'management-speak' and techniques from business? This book explores the key issues, and critiques some of the main models of management that have recently been imported into churches. Anyone interested in what the 21st century holds for the structure of Christian churches will find this book instructive and thought-provoking.

David Martin is a world-renowned sociologist, and one of the most prominent sociologists of religion ever to have emerged from the British Isles. Noted for his work on secularization, Pentecostalism, the Church of England and religious trends in general, his work has influenced the entire shape of a discipline that is now firmly established in many universities. This volume celebrates his 70th birthday, and his substantial and varied contributions to the sociology of religion stretching over a 50 year period. Andrew Walker and Martyn Percy have collated and edited a collection of...