In this book, which has grown out of the 1986 Ferguson Lectures given at the University of Manchester, Dr Kee argues that in recent times there has been an interesting shift in the role of religion. Historically it has been on the side of domination in the spheres of gender, race and class, but there are indications that it might now be on the side of liberation. This argument is illustrated from three important areas: feminist theology, black theology and theologies influenced by Marxism.
However, the latest movement in Western societies has been neo-conservative, and this has been experienced by many as the reimposition of domination. Religion has actually joined neo-conservatism in specific instances to take its place once again as the legitimation of domination. This is explored in the final chapter.