The Centrality of Religion in Social Life: Essays in Honour of James A. Beckford - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0754665151 ISBN 13: 9780754665151

Publisher: Routledge, 2008

Synopsis

James A. Beckford's work is internationally acclaimed not only in the sociology of religion, but also in other fields of the social sciences. Beckford has long been arguing that the barriers that have grown up between the different sub-disciplines should be broken down, with those specialising in religion becoming more cognisant of new theoretical developments, and sociologists in general becoming more aware of the significance of developments in the religious scene. This book is a collection of essays written in Beckford's honour, drawing on a number of religious themes that have been central to Beckford's interests, whilst also offering a significant contribution to our understanding of the wider society. A central theme is modernity (and its relation to the post-modern), and how religion affects and is affected by the dynamics of contemporary society, with the primary focus of many of the chapters being a concern with how society copes with the minority religions that have become visible with the globalising tendencies of contemporary society. The contributors, who come from America, Asia and various parts of Europe, are all internationally renowned scholars. Beckford's most important publications are listed in an Appendix and the volume opens with a short account of his contribution to sociology by Eileen Barker (the editor) and James T. Richardson.

About this title

About the Author:

Eileen Barker PhD, OBE, FBA, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the London School of Economics, UK. She has written over 250 publications (that have been translated into 27 languages) including New Religious Movements: A Practical Introduction and the award-winning The Making of a Moonie, now held by Ashgate. She has edited/co-edited 8 books and has been on the faculty of LSE since 1970. She is also the founder and Chair of Inform, an NGO supported by the government and mainstream Churches that provides enquirers with information about minority religions.

Review:

A fitting tribute to a distinguished career: this book is a celebration of James Beckford's lifelong endeavor to make religion central to social theory. David G. Bromley, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA The breadth of topics examined in this collection is evidence of James Beckford's many contributions to the sociology of religion and, more importantly, to advancing the argument that we cannot understand society -- even presumably today's "secular" society -- without some appreciation for the role of religion. A much deserved recognition. Wade Clark Roof, University of California at Santa Barbara, USA Befitting the career of James Beckford, this book contributes to a genuinely comparative sociology of religion. R. Stephen Warner, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA An excellent collection of thoughtful and often innovative essays, from some of the best sociologists of religion, developing many of the important themes so masterfully treated in Jim Beckford's work. Chock full of helpful new insights; everyone in the sociology of religion will find something of interest and significance in this book. Lorne L. Dawson, University of Waterloo, Canada '... a collection of the themes that are important for today's sociology of religion [...] illustrates the versatility of Beckford's contribution to this field. ... this volume is essential for anyone interested in religion's place in contemporary society - it answers many questions and raises many new ones.' Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review 'This book is a collection of essays written in Beckford's honour, drawing on a number of religious themes that have been central to Beckford's interests, whilst also offering a significant contribution to our understanding of the wider society.' Theological Book Review 'There are no weak contributions to this festschrift, and all of the authors focus specifically on Beckford's interests. The collection is a fitting tribute to Beckford's work and, in the words of the title, forcefully demonstrates 'the centrality of religion in social life'.' Nova Religio 'Enlisting many of the same internationally-known sociologist of religion from the Beckford and Richardson volume, this new collection continues, and in many ways extends, the discussion. And, if read side-by-side, these two volumes would certainly prove to be stimulating material for a graduate seminar. ...the flavour and focus of this new collection will likely appeal to a wider range of scholars engaged in the sociology of religion...' Politics, Religion and Ideology

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0754665151
• ISBN 13: 9780754665151
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 260
• Editor: Barker Eileen