This work, first published in 1980, breaks new ground as concerns caste in India. It first examines the nature of caste and its relation to Hinduism and questions in what sense it is possible to speak of Christianity as an egalitarian faith. It then considers some Hindu egalitarian movements and traces the development of ideas on caste among Christian missionaries, examining the relationship between these views and the Revolt of 1857. Close attention is given to changing attitudes on caste, both by missionaries and by Indian Christians, while the influence of nationalism on Christian attitudes to caste and other social questions is further examined. Finally, there is a review of the contemporary state of the question and of the specifically Christian contribution to modern views on caste.

This work, first published in 1980, breaks new ground as concerns caste in India. It first examines the nature of caste and its relation to Hinduism and questions in what sense it is possible to speak of Christianity as an egalitarian faith. It then considers some Hindu egalitarian movements and traces the development of ideas on caste among Christian missionaries, examining the relationship between these views and the Revolt of 1857. Close attention is given to changing attitudes on caste, both by missionaries and by Indian Christians, while the influence of nationalism on Christian attitudes to caste and other social questions is further examined. Finally, there is a review of the contemporary state of the question and of the specifically Christian contribution to modern views on caste.

How may people of faith respond wisely, constructively, and courageously to the challenges of a time of terror? How might religious reasons in public debate be a force for reconciliation rather than violence and hatred? In a world in which religious arguments and religious motivations play such a huge public role, there is an urgent responsibility for interpreting what is happening, and engaging with religious views which are commonly regarded as alien, threatening or dangerous. In Apocalypse Now?, Duncan Forrester argues that disorders and atrocities which include the Gulag, the Holocaust, 9/11, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and the Tsunami disaster have shown us that we stand not at the end of history but in the midst of an apocalyptic age of terror which has striking similarities to the time in which Christianity was born. Moving between two times of terror - the early Centuries of Christianity, and today - Forrester asks how religious motivations can play a positive role in the midst of conflicts and disasters. Reading the 'signs of the times' to try to understand what is happening in today's age of terror, Forrester argues that there are huge resources in the Christian tradition that can be productively deployed for a more constructive and faithful response. We are at a turning point - this is a book which should be read.

Bringing together articles and chapters from his considerable work in theological ethics, India, and the social order, Duncan Forrester incorporates new writing and introductions to each thematic section to guide readers through this invaluable resource. This book offers stimulating studies in three related areas - Indian Christianity with particular attention to the caste system, contemporary Christian theological ethics, and the distinctive and challenging theological approach that Duncan Forrester has developed in relation to public issues such as prisons and punishment, welfare provision, social justice, and poverty.

How may people of faith respond wisely, constructively, and courageously to the challenges of a time of terror? How might religious reasons in public debate be a force for reconciliation rather than violence and hatred? In a world in which religious arguments and religious motivations play such a huge public role, there is an urgent responsibility for interpreting what is happening, and engaging with religious views which are commonly regarded as alien, threatening or dangerous. In Apocalypse Now?, Duncan Forrester argues that disorders and atrocities which include the Gulag, the Holocaust, 9/11, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and the Tsunami disaster have shown us that we stand not at the end of history but in the midst of an apocalyptic age of terror which has striking similarities to the time in which Christianity was born. Moving between two times of terror - the early Centuries of Christianity, and today - Forrester asks how religious motivations can play a positive role in the midst of conflicts and disasters. Reading the 'signs of the times' to try to understand what is happening in today's age of terror, Forrester argues that there are huge resources in the Christian tradition that can be productively deployed for a more constructive and faithful response. We are at a turning point - this is a book which should be read.

This book contributes to contemporary debates about justice from the perspective of Christian social ethics. Professor Forrester examines some secular theories from a theological viewpoint, and surveys the policies and practices these theories are supposed to support and justify. He argues that Christian theology, although it can no longer claim to provide a comprehensive theory of justice, can provide insights into justice that challenge some aspects of the conventional wisdom, and contribute to the building of just communities.

Disagreements about justice are not simply academic matters. They create problems for practice and for policy-making. In a morally fragmented society in which 'nobody knows what justice is' issues such as wages policy, punishment and poverty become particularly difficult to handle. People striving to act justly are often uncertain how this might be done. Secular theories such as those of Rowls, Hayek, Habermas and modern feminist theorists, examined here, give some guidance for problems of justice that arise on the ground, but have serious limitations. This book argues that Christian theology, although it can no longer claim to provide a comprehensive theory of justice, can provide insights into justice - 'theological fragments' - which give illumination, challenge some aspects of the conventional wisdom, and contribute to the building of just communities in which people may flourish in mutuality and hope.

'Take a look behind the scenes of contemporary Christian worship, in the company of historians, musicians, theologians and pastors. This book vibrates with a passion for offering a better understanding of worship and liturgy. It uncovers fault lines for today's worshipper as well as posing challenges for tomorrow. It's a very good read.' Alison Eliot, former Moderator, Church of Scotland 'Through a series of historical and contemporary snapshots, leading academics and clergy provide some fascinating insights into the cultural context that has formed Scotland's theological and ecclesiastical heritage. Presbyterianism dominates, but Roman Catholic and Episcopalian contributions also feature in a story stretching from the Reformation to the present day. If you've ever wondered how the faith of Calvin and John Knox could inspire the Iona Community, and even the emerging church, then this is a key resource.'John Drane, University of Aberdeen 'The essays in this volume probe the complex and often competing trends in the practice of Christian corporate worship in Scotland. They also point us to fundamental lessons for all practical theology: attend deeply to cultural contexts, listen to voices from quite different perspectives, and probe at each turn how both our worship and our writing about worship might reflect the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.'John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary 'A significant reminder of what has too readily been forgotten. An important articulation of what has been untold. Weaving doctrinal reflection, historical discussion and social analysis, this volume brightly illuminates Christian worship in Scotland as a practice with deep roots. The diversity of contributors mirrors the Scottish context, offering a rich resource for further conversation. An essential text for anyone pondering Christian worship within, and well beyond, the Scottish border.'Dr Eric Stoddart, University of St Andrews. "Worship and Liturgy in Context" shows how Christian worship in its many and changing forms interacts in significant and interesting ways with its varying contexts - cultural, social, political, economic. Worship, even in a secular age, shapes ethics and behaviour, and often challenges received wisdom and commonly accepted theologies. It gives special attention to Scotland, but it is challengingly relevant in other contexts today. It makes a distinctive and important contribution to the lively debate about the relation of worship, theology and ethics. It also challenges the Churches and believers to renewal of the worship of God in spirit and in truth. It is suitable for use on liturgy and worship courses, courses on church history, cultural history, practical and pastoral theology.

This book of essays hopes to show that there is an important place today for a modest and unsystematic theology, consisting of 'theological fragments' rather than some grand theory.These theological fragments arise from and relate to specific situations, problems, contexts and communities. Here Duncan Forrester asks: What do the practices of Christian worship have to teach us about ethics? How can a word of reconciliation be heard in Northern Ireland? How do Dachau and the Rwanda genocide affect how we understand the Church? Are the modern mass media a threat or an opportunity for Christian communication? Duncan B. Forrester is Emeritus Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology in the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.>

This book makes a significant contribution to the contemporary debate about equality and argues that Christian notions of equality are still challengingly relevant in today's world and in contemporary discussion.A central place is afforded to issues of public policy and economic relationships, since in the author's view a decent community should affirm and demonstrate a commitment to justice in the way it is structured and in its dealings with its members, particularly the poor, the vulnerable and the excluded. Duncan Forrester's book is essential reading on a disturbing topic which most of us acknowledge but with which few of us know how to deal. Like the author, I feel guilty every time I see a beggar on the streets or at the door. I know that in God's sight we are somehow equal, but there is a huge gulf between us. Can it be bridged? What does it require of us? Forrester writes out of a lifetime of wrestling with such questions, and also with passion, clarity, and conviction.' John W de Gruchy, Professor of Christian Studies, University of Cape Town 'This is a profound and moving book: profound in its rigorous engagement with some of the deepest questions in social and political theory; moving in that it attends closely to the impact of poverty and inequality on the lives and prospects of ordinary people.' Raymond Plant, Professor of Politics, University of Southampton Duncan B Forrester is Professor of Theology and Public Issues at the University of Edinburgh. His many books include Theology and Politics, Beliefs, Va/ues and Policies, and Christian justice and Public Policy.

An ecumenical introduction to the study of Christian worship which emphasises the complimentarity of Word and Sacrament and the unity of theology and practice, and considers the place of worship in the modern age. It is especially designed for those, of various traditions, who are preparing for the ministry or who participate regularly in worship and wish to deepen their understanding.

A ground-breaking contribution to current debates within Practical Theology and to thinking about its future.Professor Forrester argues that the boundaries of Practical Theology must be extended, and that it must be both seriously theological, and also engaged in sincere dialogue with other disciplines, the Church and society. He considers especially ministerial formation and Public Theology as areas where Practical Theology has an important contribution to make, and presents case studies looking at the practical implications of different approaches.

Bringing together articles and chapters from his considerable work in theological ethics, India, and the social order, Duncan Forrester incorporates new writing and introductions to each thematic section to guide readers through this invaluable resource. This book offers stimulating studies in three related areas - Indian Christianity with particular attention to the caste system, contemporary Christian theological ethics, and the distinctive and challenging theological approach that Duncan Forrester has developed in relation to public issues such as prisons and punishment, welfare provision, social justice, and poverty.