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Religion in Western Society

  • Textbook
  • © 2002
  • Latest edition

Overview

Authors:
  1. Stephen J. Hunt
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  • Offers a compact and jargonfree account of contemporary religion
    Treats competing theories fully and fairly and deals with new and standard topics in sensible proportion
    Contains excellent coverage of a number of topics not adequately dealt with in competing texts, including globalisation, fundamentalism, cults and popular religiosity
    Neatly sectioned up to maximise accessibility

Part of the book series: Sociology for a Changing World (SCW)

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About this book

This book offers a comprehensive account of the nature and expression of contemporary forms of religion in Western societies. Drawing both on recent original work and classical and contemporary conceptual frameworks, it examines the beliefs, practices, patterns of organisation and significant trends in both mainstream and fringe religions including cults and quasi-religions. Competing arguments and theories about key developments are treated fully and fairly and there is a clear sense throughout of the social context. The approach is broadly sociological and the well-paced, jargon-free writing style and clearly sectioned chapters make this an ideal text for teaching and study purposes, both in sociology and religious studies. Amongst the themes and concerns covered are:

* what we mean in the first place by religion
* secularisation and new expressions of religiosity
* the effect of religion on society and the relationship between religion and social change
* the links between belief, belonging and social identity
* contemporary Christianity and the religions of ethnic minorities in the West
* globalisation, religious pluralism and postmodernity

STEPHEN J. HUNT is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of West of England, Bristol. He has written widely on contemporary Christianity and new religious movements.

Keywords

Table of contents (13 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-viii
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  2. Religion in the West — A Sociological Perspective

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 1-13

  3. Secularization and the ‘Decline’ of Religion

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 14-31

  4. The Resurgence of Religion?

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 32-43

  5. Western Religion in the Global Context

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 44-58

  6. Religion — Change and Stability in Western Societies

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 59-75

  7. Belief, Practice and Belonging

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 76-95

  8. Challenges to Western Christianity

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 96-120

  9. Sectarianism and Fundamentalism

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 121-141

  10. Cults and the New Religiosity

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 142-161

  11. The New Religions — Issues and Controversies

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 162-177

  12. The Religions of Ethnic Minorities in the West

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 178-193

  13. Popular Forms of Religiosity

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 194-208

  14. Conclusion — The Future of Religion in the West

    • Stephen J. Hunt
    Pages 209-215

  15. Back Matter

    Pages 216-235
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About the author

STEPHEN HUNT is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of West of England. He has written widely on contemporary Christianity and new religious movements.

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