Covering a key topic in both sociology and religious studies, this book is a thorough and lively introduction to the character and place of religion in contemporary British society. A brief introduction places the major British churches in their historical context and explains our curious combination of religious freedom and state-supported churches. Subsequent chapters examine a wide array of evidence on the influence and popularity of the churches, and on religious beliefs and behaviour, and document the following trends: the decline in the mainstream churches; a shift to the `sectarian' right in Protestantism; the rise of non-Christian ethnic minority religions; and increasing interest in the occult and New Age spirituality. Particular attention is given to the issue of what sort of people remain religious and how their religious beliefs affect their lives. Throughout the book, Britain's religious life is compared with that of other European societies and the final chapter shows how recent changes can be understood as a response to fundamental features of modern industrial democracies. The book will be an invaluable introduction and point of reference for students of the social sciences and religious studies. The Oxford Modern Britain series comprises authoritative introductory books on all aspects of the social structure of modern Britain. Lively and accessible, the books will be the first point of reference for anyone interested in the state of contemporary Britain. They will be invaluable to those taking courses in the social sciences.
Reviews
`Excellent value - well within the reach of student grants.' Alan Robertshaw, University of Lancaster
Religion in Modern Britain bears all the hallmarks of Bruce's writing: it is concise, carefully structured and admirably clear. There can be no doubt about what Bruce is saying ... Anyone who reads through these chapters will acquire useful and accurate information about the nature of religion in modern Britain. * Church Times *
Bruce writes as a sociologist and he treats us to a fair share of the statistics that are the tools of his craft. * Times Higher Education Supplement *
It is a concise and highly readable account of the recent history and current state of the major religious groups in Britain, with clear and non-judgemental summaries of their central beliefs and traditions. * Times Higher Education Supplement *
The result of Bruce's exercise is an accessible and comprehensive work of reference. While not exactly compulsive it is certainly essential reading. * Times Educational Supplement *
This book contains valuable information for the non-specialist ... a useful and illuminating portrait. * The Christian Century *
A wide-ranging and detailed, yet very readable, summary of the place of religion in social terms in this country today. * The Reader *
This book belongs to a series committed to providing authoritative introductions to aspects of the social structure of modern Britain...written for a generation of students who may be as unfamiliar with the nature of religious differences in Britain as with the tools of sociological enquiry. For the uninitiated it provides a good and reliable introduction. - The Rev Professor Leslie Francis. Church of England Newspaper. 7/3/1997.



Book Information
ISBN 9780198780915
Author Steve Bruce
Format Paperback
Page Count 156
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 176g
Dimensions(mm) 205mm * 135mm * 11mm