This book considers how Early Modern England was transformed from a turbulent and rebellious kingdom into a peaceable land. By considering the history of Taunton, Somerset, the most rebellious town in the kingdom, it is possible to see how the emerging features of the Enlightenment - moderation, reason and rational theology - effected that transformation. The experience of Taunton in the seventeenth century was marked by economic fluctuations of the cloth trade and military struggles in the Civil War, the Monmouth Rebellion and the Glorious Revolution. The primary motivation for the citizens was zealous Puritanism. It inspired support for Parliament and rebellion against James II. But in the final quarter of the century a new rational and moderate Protestantism emerged from the largest Nonconformist congregation in the country and form a distinguished dissenting academy. The study shows that both the militancy of the seventeenth century and the enlightened moderation of the eighteenth century were principally inspired by religious rather than secular values. This book contributes to our understanding of England's transformation and of the religious factors that stimulated it.

Enormous growth of violent escalation among youth in every country and culture is alarming. Moreover, aversion to violence is rapidly diminishing and many young people regard violence as an effective and only means to achieve anything in life. Concepts like redemptive violence; just war, holy war, etc. evoke positive resonance. The situation of the youth in India is no exception to the general trend in the global community. Youth violence is indeed a challenge to pastoral care and many involved in youth ministry are trapped in a helpless situation. With the help of pastoral reflection and an interdisciplinary approach this book deals with theory and praxis of youth ministry in the context of violence and aggression among the youth in order to discern relevant strategies for an effective pastoral care.

This companion volume to Lutheran Worship examines the roots of Lutheran worship practices and critiques.