Religion In Britain Persistent Paradox A Persistent Paradox

"This is a precise, clear, admirably fair and comprehensive account of religion in Britain, and especially of religious changes over recent decades, that should be necessary reading for anyone interested in the subject. It provides a subtle account of the changing political and cultural background, and also a comparative background in the peripheries of Britain, Europe and North America, and the 'Global South.'"
—David Martin, London School of Economics

"Davie's 1994 book was a landmark in the field of the sociology of religion internationally. British religion and society have since changed, and Davie's thinking has also developed. This new edition is more than an update. It is a masterly review of the contemporary situation – its continuities with Britain's Christian heritage, as well as the changes."
—Rebecca Catto, Coventry University

"In this new edition of Religion in Britain, Grace Davie has thoroughly updated her watershed investigation from two decades ago. Now emphasizing more the notion of 'vicarious religion' than the much-discussed earlier concept of 'believing without belonging', she surveys the contemporary British religious scene with insight and illumination. Anyone wishing to understand how the British are coming to terms with their religion – past, present and future – will need to read this valuable book."
—John Torpey, City University of New York

Religion in Britain traces the fascinating development of the religious situation in Britain, picking up from Davie's widely praised publication Religion in Britain Since 1945, published in 1994. Davie has made extensive revisions to this text, with the majority of the book re-written for this new edition, while retaining the same, sharp sociological perspective.

Religion in Britain describes and explains the religious situation in twenty-first century Britain. In doing so, it specifically reflects on six factors that have influenced the religious circumstances in the country: cultural heritage, the inherited model, a shift from obligation to consumption, new arrivals, secular reactions and an increasing awareness that the relative secularity of Britain is, although similar to the rest of Europe, an exceptional case in global terms.

The result is paradoxical. In terms of statistical indices Britain is noticeably more secular than it was 20 years ago, but religion is more present in public debate. Davie investigates how we can account for these seeming contradictions, and explores the consequences for different sections of society, such as the church, faith communities more generally, the law, politics, education and welfare. The book concludes with a range of theoretical reflections, which include an urgent need to improve standards of religious literacy.