Between God's work and Caesar's coffer : faith-based organisations in contemporary England

The thesis's primary research is rooted in qualitative and participative research methodologies employed within two faith based organisations (FBOs). A review of existing research demonstrates that there is a paucity of research concerning the actual culture and work of FBOs. Moreover, there is a bias towards looking from the outside in and/or gaining information from senior levels in the FBO. The thesis provides evidence to suggest that popular, political and some academic perceptions of FBOs are at odds with the reality of much faith-based welfare. My focus on a high profile FBO (the Salvation Army), combined with secondary evidence, suggests that many FBOs are mainly funded by the taxpayer and that the hands-on work is undertaken by staff where belief is not necessary. On the other hand, as my study of the Jesus Fellowship indicates, some FBOs do not accept government funding, thus bearing a closer resemblance to the popular perception of a FBO. It has been suggested FBOs have become bureaucratised, institutionalised and sundered from their faith communities as a result accepting funding and working with civil authority. The thesis contests this assessment, suggesting religion is itself institutional and gives rise to complex organisations. Similarly, it argues that what a society deems sacred is relative; FBOs strive to appear 'professional', with bureaucratic systems of organisation, because, within an advanced industrial society, these attributes are a means of validation. The thesis concludes that at a putative level, FBOs operate in manner removed from popular perception that they are tangible expressions of faith in action. Rather than confining religion and its social expression to idealised means of expression and function, it seems more sociologically useful to be aware that what is defined as religion changes over time. English society, like many late advanced industrial societies, is typified by many social functions being carried out vicariously by diverse agencies. Therefore it can be argued that FBOs are an expression of differentiated social function.