First published in 1961, James M. Gustafson examines the church as a human institution that must, and does, participate in the social structure of all human communities. His penetrating analysis remains an important contribution to the dialogue between the theological and social-scientific disciplines. Gustafson has written a new preface for this volume.
A path-breaking interpretation of the church that masterfully combines careful social analysis with rich theological insight. - Douglas F. Ottati, Professor of Religion and Ethics, Davidson College