There is a huge disconnect between the official account of church demise and the death of faith peddled in political and media circles, and the vitality of churches in every corner of the country. Why do the pundits ignore what is happening? Sean Oliver-Dee counters that the ongoing health of the church is being ignored because it contradicts three myths that the -new establishment- wants to assert: that the gradual death of religion is a good excuse to ignore the views of Christians; that encouraging Christianity to die will benefit society; and that scientific progress will necessarily cause the death of faith. The growth of the church runs contrary to all three assertions. It’s time to challenge the myths.
Tabela de Conteúdo
Contents
Acknowledgments 9
Preface 11
Introduction: Who Says the Church is Dying? 13
1. Green Shoots 27
2. There’s Life in the Old Dogs Yet 41
3. Squaring the Circle: Understanding the Figures 55
4. The Church in Public Life 73
5. Service and Power 95
6. Religion and Violence 109
7. Who is the Enemy of Progress? 123
8. Re-embracing the Church 143
9. A Change of Perspective 163
Notes 173
Sobre o autor
Sean Oliver-Dee is Research Fellow, Centre for the Study of Religion in Public Life, University of Oxford & Interreligious Advisor, Diocese of Peterborough. In addition he is also Associate Researcher for the Anglican Representative to the European Union. He is a regular consultant for government on identity issues and has written several papers for NGOs and think-tanks.