Critical social theory : prophetic reason, civil society, and Christian imagination / Gary M. Simpson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Simpson, Gary M., 1950-

Series:

Guides to theological inquiry

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Christian sociology.

Physical Description:

xiii, 178 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm.

Place of Publication:

Minneapolis : Fortress Press, [2002]

Summary:

Simpson ably introduces critical social theory, the German-born intellectual movement that has spawned sharp criticisms of modernity, its use of reason, and our highly technological, bureaucratic culture.

Chapter 1 recounts the emergence of critical social theory within the Frankfurt School of Social Research and the theological stirrings that the Frankfurt project sparked, especially in Benjamin and Tillich. Chapter 2 explores Jurgen Habermas's reconception and expansion of critical social theory, especially his ideas about hermeneutics, praxis, and communicative action. Finally, in chapter 3 Simpson shows how theologians have employed critical social theory in fundamental, systematic, and practical theology, and he offers his own constructive proposal for their future interaction. Simpson's book will be invaluable for understanding this important intellectual development.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 146-168) and index.

ISBN:

0800629167

OCLC:

47297645