The Politics of Discipleship: Becoming Postmaterial Citizens

Graham Ward (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Regius Professor of Divinity and canon of Christ Church Cathedral at the University of Oxford. He is a prolific author and editor, whose works include Cities of God, True Religion, and The Blackwell Companion to Postmodern Theology.

A kind of conclusion to his Cities of God and Cultural Transformation and Religious Practice, Ward (contextual theology & ethics, Univ. of Manchester) here attempts to reconcile the challenges of a postmodern world with the call to discipleship. First, this rich but densely argued book addresses the postmodern nature and definition of democracy, global culture, and religious practice. The second portion asks how contemporary thinking Christians are to deal with the postmodern world in which they live. Ward's answer seems to be, somewhat shockingly, a renewed embrace of theocracy. VERDICT While this work is apt to be heavy going for many readers, Ward's provocative notions call for a wide readership. In the end, however, his best audience will be seasoned scholars. Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.