Before and Beyond the 'Big Society'

In this wide-ranging book that does not shy away from bold policy suggestions, Joseph Forde offers a detailed exposition and critique of John Milbank, and a profound reflection on the Church's response to the reshaping of the Welfare State after the financial crash of 2008. Forde's lively and provocative book will stimulate all those who are interested in the Church's involvement with rebuilding society. Mark D. Chapman, Professor of the History of Modern Theology, University of Oxford An accessible, balanced and compelling account of recent theological and political history. Dr Forde recalls how John Milbank and Radical Orthodoxy re-connected Anglican social thought and political policy in ways not seen since the 1980s, but also outlines the challenge the Church of England now faces to think beyond the Blue Labour/Big Society paradigm to a theology of the State that can meet existential social threats such as climate emergency, growing poverty and global pandemics. Chris Baker, William Temple Professor of Religion, Belief and Public Life at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Director of Research at the William Temple Foundation John Milbank's influential political theology has played an important part in the current renewal of Anglican Social Theology. Forde expertly locates Milbank's work, scholarly and journalistic, in this Anglican tradition and assesses its contribution to debates on the 'Big Society' and the future of welfare. Anyone interested in Anglican Social Theology, Blue Labour, and the contribution of theology to public life will benefit from reading this book. Peter Scott, Samuel Ferguson Professor of Applied Theology and Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute, University of Manchester How does the Church, as well as thousands of voluntary agencies work alongside government to create a just, fair and compassionate society? This book puts this important question in a much larger historical and theological timeframe. It is a must-read for all interested in such concerns for the welfare of all our fellow citizens. Adrian Alker, Progressive Christianity Network, 5th July 2022 This book, the outcome of doctoral research by Joe Forde, is a substantial contribution to the study of the Church of England's attitude to welfare provision over the last hundred years. John Schofield, Centre for Radical Christianity Online, July 2022 The book draws on a remarkably wide range of sources and contains many wise reflections on a subject dear to my heart - the role of the Church in relation to poverty, inequality and welfare...I recommend Joe's book as shedding much fascinating light on the role of Church and state in our society today. David Price, Mark's Messenger - The Parish Magazine of St Mark's Church, July 2022 The book is a thorough going examination of the Church of England's approach to welfare, historically and, more specifically, since 2010... It is good and worth reading. But don't take my word for it. Ian K. Duffield, in Urban Theology Union newsletter, Autumn 2022 Forde has produced an extremely helpful and readable book which offers an excellent provocation for a return to a Temple-like advocacy of welfare statism. Forde's argument will help those from different strands of Anglican social thought to interrogate and clarify their position Revd Dr Matt Bullimore, in Modern Believing, Volume 64, Number 3