Theology and Society in Three Cities

Mark Chapman is Vice-Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon and Reader in Modern Theology in the University of Oxford. He has written widely on the history and theology of Anglicanism as well as in Church History and political Theology. He is also assistant priest in three rural Church of England parishes. He is a member of the General Synod of the Church of England.

"There are many competent histories of modern theology, but few that take historical context seriously. Chapman gives us, not a series of talking heads, but portraits of three cities, and shows us how theologians wrestle with and are shaped by their academic, political, and social locations. A great project, and Chapman is a witty and engaging writer to boot."-Theodore Vial, Associate Professor of Theology, Iliff School of Theology, Denver"This is a first-rate book by one of our leading historians of theology. Chapman's ability to interweave narrative and analysis and his focus on three national contexts makes this book essential reading for students of modern theology as well as for intellectual and cultural historians."-Thomas Albert Howard, Director, Center for Faith and Inquiry, Gordon College, Wenham'This ambitious and thoughtful book... is the result of many years of research in three different cities. It offers robust criticisms of the conservative theological approach of John Webster and the cavalier dismissal of the sociology of religion by John Milbank. There is much to enjoy here, especially for readers of Modern Believing.'-Robin Gill, Modern Believing, Vol. 57:1, January 2016"...Chapman has written a book that is stimulating, clearly argued and, in my opinion, persuasive."-Hugh McLeod, Theology, Vol. 118 Issue 4"Chapman's engaging chapters bring together on the common ground of 'place' critical reflections on the importance of geographical location for theology's development."-Clive Marsh, Journal of Theological; Studies, Vol. 66, No. 2, Oct 2015"...this slender volume contains a wealth of information that even advanced scholars will find worthwhile... Those interested in the history of theology will find this book rewarding, but so will anyone who thinks seriously about the many challenges that Christianity faces in the modern world."-Christopher Adair-Toteff, Theological Studies, Vol 76, No. 3, 2015"This is an important, concise book, deserving of a wide readership. ... Chapman's portrait of theology in three quite different locations shows us anew, with great creativity and erudition, how important context can be."-Zachery Purvis, Journal of Anglican Studies Vol. 14 Issue 1, May 2016"This article is well composed, eminently readable and pleasantly focused." - Benjamin Dahlke, Theologische Literatur Zeitung 141. May 2016"Chapman's work highlights trends in academe such as the influence of sociology on Christianity and the need to compromise with the secular wold that remain important today."-J. Douglas Ousley, Anglican and Episcopal History, September 2016"The book is well-written and even the end-notes are chock full of insightful observations. I warmly recommend it."- Jordan Litchfield, Queen's University, Theological Book Review vol.28 no.1, pp.80-1

• Preface1. Introduction: On Compromise2. Theology and Society in post-Napoleonic Berlin3. Reaction and Theology in Berlin and Oxford4. National Education and the Rise of Oxford Theology5. Sociology and Theology in Chicago6. ConclusionEndnotesBibliographyIndex