Public theology is an increasingly important area of theological discourse with strong global networks of institutions and academics involved in it. Elaine Graham is one of the UK's leading theologians and an established SCM author. In this book, Elaine Graham argues that Western society is entering an unprecedented political and cultural era, in which many of the assumptions of classic sociological theory and of mainstream public theology are being overturned. Whilst many of the features of the trajectory of religious decline, typical of Western modernity, are still apparent, there are compelling and vibrant signs of religious revival, not least in public life and politics - local, national and global. This requires a revision of the classic secularization thesis, as well as much Western liberal political theory, which set out separate or at least demarcated terms of engagement between religion and the public domain. Elaine Graham examines claims that Western societies are moving from 'secular' to 'post-secular' conditions and traces the contours of the 'post-secular': the revival of faith-based engagement in public sphere alongside the continuing - perhaps intensifying - questioning of the legi-timacy of religion in public life. She argues that public theology must rethink its theological and strategic priorities in order to be convincing in this new 'post-secular' world and makes the case for the renewed prospects for public theology as a form of Christian apologetics, drawing from Biblical, classical and contemporary sources.

Thomas Berry had a gentle yet mesmerizing and luminescent presence that was evident to anyone who spent time with him. His intellectual scope and erudite manner were compelling, and the breadth, depth, clarity and elegance of his vision was breathtaking. He enthralled thousands of people who came to listen and learn from him in academic and public settings and he was an intellectual giant and cultural visionary of extraordinary stature. Thomas Berry's vast knowledge and specific expertise as a cultural historian -united with his concern for the future of the planet-reveals him to be a genuine original thinker. Those who knew him, in person or through his publications, were aware of his genius and his appeal for a viable future for humanity and the natural world. Many know of his proposal for a functional cosmology, the need for a new story, and a vital Earth sensitive spirituality, but few know the intellectual roots of his thesis because he presented his thoughts as a seamless and studied synthesis. This book is about those intellectual roots and particular emphases and insights that are hidden within Thomas Berry's proposal.These essays probe into and reveal distinct themes that permeate his work, but are not obvious upon first glance. The authors of this collection were students of Berry, and did their Ph.D. work using elements of his thought. More importantly, Thomas Berry's influence has both grounded and oriented their intellectual pursuits.

These collected essays examine the roles of women in their churches and communities, the implication of those roles for African American culture, and the tensions and stereotypes that shape societal responses to these roles. Gilkes examines the ways black women and their experience shape the culture and consciousness of the black religious experience, and reflects on some of the crises and conflicts that attend this experience.