Soul in Society

By Gary J. Dorrien

Book Overview

Gary Dorrien's major work addresses the roots of and remedy to the current crisis in American Christian social ethics.

Focusing on the story of American liberal Protestantism, the book examines in fascinating depth the three major movements in this century - the Social Gospel, Christian Realism, and Liberation Theology - in a way that also brings African American, feminist, environmentalist, Catholic, and other voices into the increasingly multicultural quest.

Dorrien then carefully assesses the crisis of social Christian thought in a culture that is increasingly secular, materialistic, and dominated by capitalism. He shows how the progressive Christian vision of social and economic democracy can be redeemed in the face of its apparent defeat. He argues strongly for a social Christianity faithful to the spiritual reality and kingdom-oriented ethic of the way of Christ.

Dorrien's engaging narrative, knowledgeable and fair analysis, and thoughtful proposal bring desperately needed clarity and commitment to the Christian social conscience.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800628918
• ISBN13: 9780800628918
• Release Date: July 1995
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishing
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Lucid writing & truly informative

This is an engaging look at the various social expressions of Christianity in 20th century America. Dorrien is a brilliant writer who gives each figure & movement a life of their own, bringing out the various nuances. I would gladly read anything by Dorrien. His new book Social Ethics in the Making looks to be even more comprehensive and up-to-date (being twice as long) since Soul in Society is now almost 14 years old. But for your money, Soul in Society is absolutely worth it if you are remotely interested in church history, US history, social ethics, politics, etc.