Clergy, Ministers and Priests

Clergy, Ministers, and Priests is a 1977 sociological study that examines the differences in value orientation between clergy in the Church of England, Methodist Church, and Roman Catholic Church, covering five important areas: theological outlook, role of the religious functionary, ecumenism, institutional reform, and organizational nature. It explores the interplay of values, structural factors, and non-denominational social experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1977, Clergy, Ministers, and Priests offers a groundbreaking sociological analysis of the differing value orientations among clergy members in the Church of England, Methodist Church, and Roman Catholic Church. Spanning five crucial areas of values, this comprehensive study delves into the theological outlooks, perspectives on the religious functionary's role, attitudes towards ecumenism, views on institutional reform, and ideas about the organizational structure of the church.

Beyond mere description, the authors explore diverse explanations for these value disparities. They examine the interplay of the values themselves, considering how they shape and influence one another. Additionally, they explore structural factors related to the denominations, such as the social roles played by the clergy. Furthermore, they consider the impact of non-denominational social experiences, including factors such as class origins and educational backgrounds, on the values held by clergy members.

This study is of immense interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of sociology of religion, religion, and Christianity, providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics and diverse perspectives within these religious communities.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032202266