God After the Church Lost Control: Sociological Analysis and Critical-Constructive Theology

This book explores the changes in how people think about God in contemporary Western society, arguing for a critical-constructive theology that takes human experience and social change seriously. It depicts a God who is an enabler of moral maturity, on the side of the marginalized and poor, and a challenge to unjust hierarchies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 161 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound transformations that have occurred in the way individuals perceive God in contemporary Western society. It argues that for many people, God has become irrelevant, often due to a well-founded ethical critique of churches. The authors propose a crucial need to reexamine God-talk in a pluralistic and evolving context, challenging the dominant ways of speaking about God from an abstract theological perspective. Drawing on empirical evidence from a Norwegian setting, the book advocates for a critical-constructive theology that takes human experience and social change seriously. It presents a portrayal of God as an enabler of moral maturity rather than an authoritarian moral instructor, standing alongside the marginalized and oppressed, and challenging unjust hierarchies.

The authors argue that the traditional understanding of God as an all-powerful and omnipresent being has been undermined by the advancements in science and technology, leading to a shift in the way people perceive the divine. They suggest that a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of God is necessary, one that recognizes the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.

The book explores various themes related to God, including the nature of faith, the role of religion in society, and the challenges faced by individuals in their search for meaning and purpose. It offers a critical analysis of the dominant religious narratives and ideologies, challenging their exclusivity and promoting a more inclusive and pluralistic approach to spirituality.

Through its engaging and thought-provoking narrative, the book encourages readers to reevaluate their beliefs and assumptions about God, and to explore new ways of understanding and experiencing the divine. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in the study of religion and society.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032306742