Hidden Threads - by Russell Heddendorf & Matthew Vos (Paperback)

About the Book

Heddendorf finds in sociological theories some 'hidden threads' - Christian principles woven into the fabric of society. This book is an examination and Christian critique of sociological theory, demonstrating appreciation for the richness of social life and holding in tension...

Book Synopsis

Hidden Threads: A Christian Critique of Sociological Theory, provides a framework for making sense of the social world. Heddendorf finds in sociological theories some "hidden threads" - Christian principles woven into the fabric of society. Early Christian thought was radical in its approach to social life. Jesus provided a different concept of the person, and encouraged his followers to act upon this new understanding. Thus, in the early centuries after Christ, Christian social thought was a dynamic, positive, social force, but today the situation differs. Many Christians readily accept current interpretations of problems as valid. Consequently, in response to these modern explanations, Christians develop a form of secularized thought which supports popular solutions and fails to critically engage with the real issues of the day. Hidden Threads is an examination and Christian critique of sociological theory, demonstrating appreciation for the richness of social life and holding in tension those theories that attempt to explain it.

Review Quotes

"Neither an apologetic for Christianity nor an attack upon it. Its main focus is the contributions Christianity and social thought make to each other...clarify[ing] the virtues and shortcomings of both...An outstanding contribution to both sociology and Christianity. It will enrich social theory, generate significant research, encourage meditative reflection, enliven the interactions of Christians with sociologists, and stimulate the mind of every reader." --David O. Moberg, emeritus professor of sociology, Marquette University

"An excellent addition to the Christian classroom...These critiques offer unique opportunities for students to critically examine the different theories from a biblical viewpoint." --Susan Warner, associate professor of sociology, Cedarville University

An excellent addition to the Christian classroom...These critiques offer unique opportunities for students to critically examine the different theories from a biblical viewpoint.

Neither an apologetic for Christianity nor an attack upon it. Its main focus is the contributions Christianity and social thought make to each other...clarify[ing] the virtues and shortcomings of both...An outstanding contribution to both sociology and Christianity. It will enrich social theory, generate significant research, encourage meditative reflection, enliven the interactions of Christians with sociologists, and stimulate the mind of every reader.

About the Author

Russell Heddendorf served as a professor of sociology at Geneva College in Pennsylvania and Covenant College in Georgia. He has published numerous articles in various periodicals and journals, and authored the book From Faith to Fun: The Secularization of Humor. Heddendorf held a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. in sociology from Columbia University. He served as president of the American Scientific Affiliation and founded the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology. Heddendorf died in 2008.
Matthew Vos is associate professor of sociology at Covenant College, Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a M.Ed. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has published on race, ethnicity, and sociological issues in higher education. He is active in the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, and serves as adjunct professor at the Oxford Graduate School in Tennessee.