Before and Beyond the 'Big Society'

Dr Joseph Forde is Honorary Research Fellow in Historical Theology at the Urban Theology Union, Sheffield. After working for twenty-six years in NHS management, he gained a PhD in Theology from the University of Manchester. He is Chair of Sheffield's Church Action on Poverty.

• AcknowledgementsIntroductionPart 1: Locating John Milbank's Thinking on Welfare and the Church within the Anglican Socialist Tradition1. Three Anglican Socialist Strands: Welfare Statist, Christendom, Revolutionist2. Anglican Socialism and the Rise and Fall of the British Welfare State ConsensusPart 2: John Milbank's Blue Socialist Thinking and His Perspective on the British Welfare State3. John Milbank Writing in the Christendom Strand4. John Milbank's Thinking on Welfare and the Church of England's Role in its Provision since 1945Part 3: John Milbank, the 'Big Society' Project and the Church of England5. The 'Big Society' Project and the Church of England: An Analysis of the Influences that Shaped GS18046. John Milbank and the Church of England's Future Approach to WelfareConclusionEpilogueAppendix 1: GS1804: 'The Big Society' and the Church of EnglandAppendix 2: List of QuestionsBibliographyIndex

In his 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.