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Decent and in Order: Conflict, Christianity, and Polity in a Presbyterian Congregation (Religion in the Age of Transformation)
by Ronald R. Stockton
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Praeger (2000-02-28)
ISBN: 0275966682
EAN: 9780275966683
Dewey Decimal #: 262.05137
Binding/Media: Hardcover - 256 pages
SKU: 0903220008
Condition: New
Comments: New - Thanks!
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Editorial Reviews
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Product Description
This is a systematic study of how a congregational conflict involving allegations of sexual harassment and power abuse against a minister was seriously mishandled by church authorities. The conflict escalated to entangle regional and national authorities and worked its way into the civil courts. Stockton focuses on the interaction of organizational dynamics and ill-defined Christian concepts (such as reconciliation and discipline), showing that in conflict situations the ideals of pastoral care are squeezed by an organizational mentality. Key themes involve the role of women in the church, the complex question of sexual harassment, and the interface between church law and civil law. The narrative, which is based on interviews and official documents, captures the human dimensions of the story while simultaneously giving unique insight into congregational disputes and organizational behavior.
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Customer Reviews
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Every Church's Required Reading
Rating  (5)
Date: 2000-05-03
6 out of 8 customers found this reveiw helpful
An excellently written, deeply researched, book on problems within the Church body. Not only covering what happens, but giving the warning signs that every Church leader (Minister or Laity) should read and KEEP! I found it difficult to put it down, it is very readable although academic standards are top level. I am recomending this work, to all my pastor friends, as an indispensable resource for avoiding the pitfalls that are in the ministry.
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