Mercy in the City: Manuel Castells and Philip Sheldrake

Most biblical, theological and philosophical understandings of mercy were conceived in very different contexts to our own, globalised and urbanised world. Manuel Castells will diagnose contemporary urbanization, highlighting the problems for the practice and flourishing of mercy and altruism in contemporary mega cities, while Philip Sheldrake will respond with a prognosis of how practices of mercy can be encouraged and flourish in the urban environment.

Manuel Castells is a sociologist widely known for his research on the information society, communication and globalization. He has published 26 books, including the trilogy The Information Age: Economy, Society, and Culture (Blackwell, 1996-2004), translated in 21 languages, and Communication Power (OUP, 2009).

Philip Sheldrake is a theologian and religious historian with particular expertise in the area of spirituality. He has also been involved in urban studies and with urban professionals. His recent books include A Spiritual City: Theology, Spirituality, and the Urban (Wiley-Blackwell, 2014).

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE FACULTY OF DIVINITY (RUNCIE ROOM). Free entrance, followed by refreshments.