Category: Sociology of Religion

Covid-19: Recent Discussions on Sunday Sequence

I have participated in two recent discussions on Covid-19 on BBC Radio Ulster’s Sunday Sequence.

Sunday 5 April the topic was ‘Learning survival today from the lessons of the past’. Other discussants were consultant physician and clinical lecturer Michael Trimble, … Read more...

Is Ireland Turning to Religion during the Covid-19 Crisis? New Post on RTE Brainstorm

I have a new post on RTE Brainstorm, ‘Is Ireland Turning to Religion during the Covid-19 Crisis?’… Read more...

‘Considering Grace’ Review in the Irish Times, by Marianne Elliott: “[an] impressive and courageous book”

My latest book, Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles, co-authored with Jamie Yohanis, is reviewed as the ‘Book of the Day’ in today’s Irish Times online.

The book is reviewed by Marianne Elliott, professor emerita at Liverpool University.

The full … Read more...

Publication of “Power from the Periphery? ‘Extra-Institutional Religion’ and the Prospects for Change – Insights from the Life of Fr Gerry Reynolds”

An article based on my keynote address at the 2018 joint conference of the Irish Association for the Academic Study of Religions and the British Association for the Study of Religions has been jointly-published in the two journals of those … Read more...

A 22-year-old Reviews ‘Considering Grace’: “it is incredibly important that the future generations of leaders are able to look back and see people and their pain before real progress is made.”

As an author, I have to admit having a sneaky peek at the Amazon reviews of my latest book, co-authored with Jamie Yohanis, ‘Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles’. 

Earlier this week, a review by an anonymous 22-year-old was posted. … Read more...

Enniskillen Launch of ‘Considering Grace’: “[This book] is a precious thing, a vessel that contains so much for us to take heed of …” Remarks by David Bolton

The fifth and final launch of my new book, Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles (Merrion Press, 2019), co-authored with Jamie Yohanis, was held 27 November at the Bridge Centre in Enniskillen.

The launch featured a response by David … Read more...

A Decline in Mass Attendance but a Rise in Prayer – Irish Catholic Report on ESS Data

The Irish Catholic has published a report on the 2018 European Social Survey data, noting that while there have been further declines in mass attendance in Ireland, there has been a rise in those who say they pray every … Read more...

Review of The Catholic Church and the Northern Ireland Troubles: New Post on Slugger

I have a new post on the Slugger O’Toole blog, a review of Margaret M Scull’s new book, The Catholic Church and the Northern Ireland Troubles, 1968-1998. … Read more...

Recent Publications on the Pope, Peacebuilding, and Extra-Institutional Religion

I have three recent publications which may be of interest to readers of this blog.

‘Surveying Ireland after the Pope: Grounds for Cautious Optimism?’ is in the current issue of Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review (Autumn 2019).

Studies is available … Read more...

William Scholes in the Irish News: ‘Dealing with the past means Considering Grace’

My latest book, Considering Grace: Presbyterians and the Troubles, co-authored with Jamie Yohanis, was reviewed by William Scholes in today’s Irish News.

Scholes explores some of the themes and stories that feature in the book, including the Rev Ian … Read more...