Synopsis "Structures of Sin, Cultures of Meaning: Social Science and Theology"
With the inductive and historicist turn in theologicalmethod, the social sciences have become an important handmaid of theology. Theintersection between theology and the social sciences, however, has beencharacterized, on the one hand, as one of alliance, and, on the other, as oneof conflict. Structures of Sin, Cultures of Meaning seeks to advance thedialogue and the collaboration between them.Social science considers religion primarily as a socialinstitution and as a cultural system. The first part of the book explains whata social institution is, why religion is a social institution, and elaborateson its implications for theology in such areas as the bureaucratization ofreligion, the formation of structures of injustice, the preferential option forthe poor. The second part elucidates on what a cultural system is, why religionis a cultural system, and its consequences for theology in such areas asreligious identity and community, Christian ethics and formation,evangelization and inculturation.The social structures and cultures of the past impinge onthose of the present to create the challenges of today and the possibilitiesfor tomorrow. People make history and do theology in the circumstances createdby social structures and cultures of meaning.
