In a time of rapid change the old certainties seem insecure, globalisation and consumerism prevail and a future for religious faith is under question. Peter Humfrey grew up in Surrey, served in parish ministry and taught in a variety of parishes, dioceses, schools and colleges during times of development and upheaval. Passionate for adult theological and liturgical literacy he has designed training for ministry and has worked as a diocesan and national adviser in religious education and catechesis, collaborating with European colleagues in projects about faith and culture. In Hope's Daughters he explores the future of faith in the light of two sociological viewpoints, the modernism of Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann and the post-modernism of Zygmunt Bauman. He then taps into a wide range of challenging and illuminating sources from liturgy, theology and life experience to answer the questions that now arise Topics under scrutiny include globalisation, consumerism, post-colonialism, deconstruction, the loss of institutional memory and the rise of the network. These cultural expressions are interrogated in the dialogue which takes place in the inculturation of faith, new methods of evangelisation and the growth of lifelong learning. Faith in the Paschal Mystery offers a new vision. Renewed communities offer a fresh look at ministry, the value of hospitality, new methods of catechesis and the inspiration of sacred space.

The author believes that the way ahead lies in nurturing and promoting an ongoing dialogue between faith and culture. peterhumfrey@hotmail.com.