A unique study of the link between theology and culture from a sociological perspective which addresses the issue of the pursuit of enchantment in the context of postmodernity. Sociology is applied to sociology itself to discern its own domestic response to theological readings of culture. A novel reading of Simmel, Bourdieu and Weber in relation to the Swiss Catholic theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar, produces a controversial critique of assumptions regarding religious belief in the context of debates on secularisation and postmodernity.

About the Author
KIERAN FLANAGAN is Reader in Sociology at the University of Bristol. His other publications include: Sociology and Liturgy: Representations of the Holy and editor (with Peter C.Jupp) of Postmodernity, Sociology and Religion. Since 1996 he has been Chair of the British Sociological Association Sociology of Religion Study Group.

Reviews

'My experience in reading the book, quite apart from my agreement or disagreement at various points, was one of unsettling but exhilarating rediscovery, of reopening and clarifying vitally important questions, and of potentially creative challenge to many of my assumptions about the relationship between sociology and religious belief. For anyone whose interests encompass both sociology and theology, The Enchantment of Sociology is very highly recommended.' - Peter C. Blum, Sociology of Review

'The Enchantment of Sociology is a thoughtful and provocative book which builds usefully upon Sociology and Liturgy...what he offers is an intellectual feast.' - Robin Gill, Church Times

'Flanagan offers us a highly original, often brilliant, if sometimes quirky, tour de force, that deserves to rank on any shortlist of thoughtful books (of which, alas there is a very meagre supply) truly correlating theology and sociology.' - John A.Coleman S.J., Theological Studies

Book Information
ISBN 9780333651674
Author K. Flanagan
Format Hardback
Page Count 293
Imprint Palgrave Macmillan
Publisher Palgrave Macmillan