Citation

Thompson K. Sociol. Relig. 1991; 52(3): 277-291.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Association for the Sociology of Religion)

DOI

10.2307/3711362

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article makes a case for the sociology of religion to give a more central position to issues concerning ideology. It uses the example of recent public controversies in Britain over criticisms made by bishops of the Church of England against the Thatcher government's policies. It also contrasts this situation with the influence of the new Christian right in America. The theoretical framework adopted is neo-Durkheimian, focusing on dilemmas involving the boundary between the sacred and the profane, and disputes about individualism and community. The discussion is based on research drawing on data supplied by the Church's Press Office and letters from the public to the most controversial episcopal critic, the Bishop of Durham.