Doing Theology in Altab Ali Park

Doing Theology in Altab Ali Park

Kenneth Leech spent 14 years working in Whitechapel in the East End of London as a community-based theologian. This book is a record of his time there, showing the successes and failures of much of the work in the different communities in the Altab Ali Park area. The theology is woven in with descriptions of the different projects, the ways in which social care was offered, the thinkers (Christian, secular and those from other religions) who have influenced the way in which work is carried out, and of course much of Kenneth Leech's own theological views. As a liberal socialist theologian, and one who is certainly blunt in his opinions, there is much food for thought in this book. A real strength is in the way that Leech reports many of the criticisms levelled at him and seems to try to learn from them. It was a surprisingly easy read for such a difficult topic and would be helpful to others considering ministry in disadvantaged areas as well as those who want to reflect more on Jesus' call to social action which can so easily be drowned out by the business of 'doing church'.

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