Religion, Theology and the Human Sciences explores the religious consequences of the so-called ‘end of history’ and ‘triumph of capitalism’ as they have impinged upon key institutions of social reproduction in recent times.

The book explores the imposition of managerial modernity upon successive sectors of society and shows why many people today feel themselves to be oppressed by systems of management that seem to leave them no option but to conform. This culture has spread through education, health and social services and has been welcomed by the churches. Richard Roberts seeks to challenge and outflank such seamless, oppressive modernity, through reconfiguration of the religious and spiritual field.

This volume will be of use to a range of students in humanities and social sciences (particularly theology and the sociology of religion) and may be considered standard reading for those concerned with the practical application of contemporary theology in a postmodern world.

Richard H. Roberts is Professor of Religious Studies at Lancaster University. He has not shrunk from controversy and is known among senior British academic figures for his pursuit of a consistently critical line agains the managerialisation and bureaucratisation of both universities and churches.

‘Religion, Theology and the Human Sciences is a highly original … and important collection: original in its clarity … important as a substantial contribution to debates that have hardly begun at this level of intellectual intensity’.
Times Literary Supplement

‘… an exciting … collection of essays written during 1989–99. Highly personal, intellectual and humane, these reflections read as an integrated volume and challenge the reader in a deeply ethical way.’
Theology

‘… a very well-integrated collection of essays … The book is both a stimulant and a guide to the exploration of many issues that we all need to address, hopefully with the same trenchancy found in these essays, if there is to be salvation for humankind.’
Crucible

‘… [the] combination of intellectual rigor and uncompromising moral purpose makes this difficult, timely book well worth reading.’
Research News and Opportunities in Science and Theology