Includes bibliographical references (p. [133]-137) and index.

A changing world -- A sense of place -- Pastoral care and globalization -- Worship, spirituality and globalization -- Reflexive spirituality and globalization -- Families, children and globalization -- Work and the new economy -- Practical theology and global ethics.

1. A Changing World -- 2. A Sense of Place -- 3. Pastoral Care and Globalization -- 4. Worship, Spirituality and Globalization -- 5. Reflexive Spirituality and Globalization -- 6. Families, Children and Globalization -- 7. Work and the New Economy -- 8. Practical Theology and Global Ethics.

John Reader reviews and refines practical theology in the light of the contemporary context in which Christianity is operating. He argues that one of the reasons why our responses are becoming inadequate is that we are using inappropriate and dated categories to understand and describe that context, then offers alternatives.

"This book argues that the discipline of practical theology needs to be re-shaped in the light of the impact of various influences created through the encounter with globalization. Essential to this is an engagement with the insights of other disciplines, e.g. sociology, politics, economics and philosophy. The content and authority of the Christian tradition is being challenged by the blurred encounters with more fluid lifestyles, alternative spiritualities and indeed other faiths as mediated through information technology and the breakdown of attachments to all forms of institutional life. Traditional ways of 'belonging' and relating to places and structures are being eroded leaving the established patterns of ministry, worship and church organization the province of an ageing population, while those who are now more inclined to search for 'communities of interest' avoid being drawn into the practices and structures of formal religion. What is the future for practical theology in this rapidly changing context? By examining the familiar concerns of the subject John Reader shows how it is in danger of operating with 'zombie categories' - still alive but only just - and presents the possibilities for a reflexive spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition as a way into the future."--BOOK JACKET.