Routledge Voices from the Borderland: Re-Imagining Cross-Cultural Urban Theology in the Twenty-First Century (Cross Cultural Theologies)

Urban theology affirms the importance of context - notably the place of the city - in theological reflection. However, it has often been confined to particular contexts or theological camps and thus failed to engage with the fluidity of contemporary urban societies. 'Voices from the Borderland' presents an overview of urban theology, arguing that the twenty-first century demands a dialogical model of theology that enacts progressive change. The volume draws on studies of the multicultural and multi-faith British urban experience and situates these within the wider international context. The works of influential theologians in the field are examined and the dialogue between theology, globalisation, post-colonialism, postmodernism and "post-religious" urban culture critically explored. The volume is unique in bringing together urban liberation theology, urban black theology, reformist urban theology, globalisation urban theology, and post-religious urban theology. Review 'With incisiveness and clarity, Chris Shannahan probes into the world of urban theology to provide invaluable resources for those of us seeking out ways of connecting the church to community. The result is a sharp critique of previous works and the development of a new model of engagement and dialogue grounded in the radical hybrid popular cultures of urban Britain. Committed to a critical liberation ethic, this is a groundbreaking book that deserves careful attention by professional and lay workers in the struggles for urban renewal, racial justice and poverty eradication.' --Robert Beckford, Visiting Professor, Sociology, Goldsmiths, University of London'We invented Urban Theology in 1969. An Archbishop's Commission joined us in 1990. In 2010 we are split into Liberation, Black, Reformist, Globalisation, Post-religious and finally Cross-cultural. Shannahan's patient, systematic, provocative and divisive text will arouse others, but hopefully get even more joining the movement with their own 'takes'.' --Revd Dr John Vincent, Director Emeritus, Urban Theology Unit, Sheffield About the Author Chris Shannahan is Research Fellow in Urban Theology at the University of Birmingham.