Much of what we take for granted in politics, ethics, philosophy and sociology is itself the product of a complex interplay between theology and society. In this unique volume over 250 entries offer a unique synthesis of Judaeo-Christian approaches to social and political issues of wide concern as well as analysing theological and secular positions on matters of religious practice and belief.

Signed essays have been contributed by leading international scholars from a wide range of disciplines - including theology, political science, economics and business studies, philosophy, women's studies, gay and lesbian studies, sociology, history, development studies, environmental studies and the life sciences - and represent the full range of Christian denominations as well as atheist and agnostic positions.

Each entry includes a brief definition of the term, a description of the principal ideas behind it, and analysis of its history, development and contemporary relevance, followed by a detailed bibliography giving the major sources in the field.

Areas covered include Abortion, AIDS, Animal Rights, Black Theology, Democracy, Domestic Violence, Ecological Theology, Ethics, Eugenics, Feminism, Homophobia, Humanism, Liberation Theology, Modernity, Pacifism, Racism, Ritual, Sexuality, State and Women's Ordination.