The English place of worship: A phenomenological study.

This study was chosen, firstly, because of the lack of any previous overall phenomenological study of English religion; secondly, for the importance of the findings of such an enquiry for the development of religious education in state schools in this country, and, thirdly, because thereby a phenomenological investigation could be undertaken within a geographical, cultural and historic whole. Phenomenology as a method of studying religion is first discussed, as are the reasons for choosing it rather than other disciplines. The work of a number of leading phenomenologists is then reviewed with reference to the forms of sacred phenomena found at the public place of worship. The evidence concerning these forms (sacred space, object, community, person, action, word and time) at the English public place of worship, and its antecedents, is then presented. As the material available is so considerable, particular attention is given to certain periods and movements of religious change, the Conversion of the English to Christianity, the Reformation and the Liturgical Movement. In the concluding chapter this evidence is reviewed and analysed. It is argued that, although there has been transformation and change of emphasis, the major forms of the sacred have existed continuously at the English public place of worship in this country, as have many of the categories within the forms. It is suggested that these findings provide a clear structure and basis for further phenomenological and historical study of English religion.