Presents an exploration of the relationships among the rise of urban civilization, the decline of hierarchical, institutional religion, and the place of the secular within society. This book argues that secularity has a positive effect on institutions, and that God is present in both the secular and...

Presents an exploration of the relationships among the rise of urban civilization, the decline of hierarchical, institutional religion, and the place of the secular within society. This book argues that secularity has a positive effect on institutions, and that God is present in both the secular and formal religious realms.