This collection of essays by a distinguished sociologist explores the relationship between sociology and religious issues. After looking at main themes, the author explores the theoretical considerations of the relationship, practical issues of interest to theologians, and sociological approaches to theology aimed at both clergy and teachers.

The second edition of this text builds on the strengths of the first, taking into account recent advances in GIS development and major new socio-economic datasets including new census data. The author presents an accessible introduction to the history, principles and techniques of GIS, with a focus on socio-economic applications. This non-technical overview of the collection, input, storage, manipulation and output of data addresses the needs of students and professionals who must understand and use GIS for the first time.

Now available in paperback, Tongues of Fire deals with one of the most extraordinary developments in the world today - the rapid spread of Evangelical Protestantism in vast areas of the underdeveloped societies, notable Latin America. The growth of Evangelical Protestantism since the 1960's from its epicentre in the United States has been a religious and social phenomenon of extraordinary proportions.

David Martin, one of the world's leading authorities on the sociology of religion, examines this remarkable phenomenon, taking account of how the religious elements have affected...

This book deals with the largest global shift in religion over the last forty years, the astonishing rise of Pentecostalism and charismatic Christianity.

Theorists of -secularization- have for two centuries been saying that religion must inevitably decline in the modern world. But today, much of the world is as religious as ever. This volume challenges the belief that the modern world is increasingly secular, showing instead that modernization more often strengthens religion.

Seven leading cultural observers examine several regions and several religions and explain the resurgence of religion in world politics. Peter L. Berger opens with a global overview. The other six writers deal with particular aspects of the religious...

This bold work challenges two popular conceptions of religion--as either the instigator of conflict or the propagator of peace. Martin, one of the world's leading sociologists of religion, rejects both as oversimplifications, and draws on case studies from Britain, the US, Latin American, and Romania to argue for a more nuanced, complex approach that takes account of the role of national and ethnic identity.

Religion, Modernity and Postmodernity is the first book to engage the study of religion with contemporary theorizing about culture. It addresses important issues such as whether there are postmodern forms of religion, whether theories of religion framed in terms of modernity can be recast to suit new or emerging circumstances, and how the study of religion can be better integrated with recent developments in the study of culture.

Religion, Modernity and Postmodernity is the first book to engage the study of religion with contemporary theorizing about culture. It addresses important issues such as whether there are postmodern forms of religion, whether theories of religion framed in terms of modernity can be recast to suit new or emerging circumstances, and how the study of religion can be better integrated with recent developments in the study of culture.