Religion And The Transformation Of Capitalism

This book is a collection of essays that explore the relationship between religion and capitalism. The essays are divided into three parts: Part One offers a series of readings of the classics re-interpreted in the light of contemporary scholarship of the type Weber himself conducted, Part Two contains three rather different discussions of the connection between resurgent capitalism and new religious movements in developed societies, and Part Three deals with aspects of globalization and post-modernity and their inter-relation with religious transformations.

Religion and the Transformation of capitalism addresses from a socio-scientific standpoint the interaction of religions and forms of contemporary capitalism. The book is divided into three parts: Part One offers a series of readings of the classics re-interpreted in the light of contemporary scholarship of the type Weber himself conducted; Part Two contains three rather different discussions of the connection between resurgent capitalism and new religious movements in developed societies; Part Three deals with aspects of globalization and post-modernity and their inter-relation with religious transformations. Discussion of the global socio-cultural and economic matrix and its religious dimensions has grown in importance since the collapse of Marxist socialism and the resurgence of religious, national and ethnic identities. The collection draws upon the research and experience of scholars whose first hand acquaintance with diverse yet representative settings allows the reader to explore a wide range of interactions between economic systems and their socio-cultural contexts. Review: This impressive collection of essays is undoubtedly a major contribution to the re-establishment of the Sociology of Religion on a genuinely comparative and historical basis . . . I am filled with admiration fo Roberts' industry, enthusiasm and clear sighted grasp of a complex field. -Harvie Ferguson, University of Glasgow Most of these seventeen essays originated in a conference held at the University of St. Andrews where Richard Roberts is professor of divinity.