RSU Prof To Present Feb. 2 Discussion of Religion and Secularization in Britain, Canada

Dr. David Tait, associate professor of history at Rogers State University, will present a Feb. 2 talk entitled “Is God Dead, or is Sociology Brain Dead? Secularization in Britain and Canada.”

The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, in the Stratton Taylor Library, Room 207. The event is part of the university’s Library Literary Review series.

Tait noted that studies of Britain have suggested that English Christianity is dying, and perhaps religion as such is disappearing as well. Some observers point to similar trends in Canada, but sociologist Reginald Bibby says that complete secularization has not occurred and is by no means inevitable, Tait said.

In examining these subjects, Tait will offer summaries and critiques on four recent books on religion and secularization within Britain and Canada: “The Strange Death of Christian Britain: Understanding Secularization, 1800-2000” by Callum G. Brown, “The Strange Death of Moral Britain” by Christie Davies, “God is Dead: Secularization in the West” by Steve Bruce and “Restless Gods: The Renaissance of Religion in Canada” by Reginald W. Bibby.

Tait holds a doctoral degree in U.S. history from Oklahoma State University. His primary research interest is Christianity in the modern world. For 21 years, he served as a priest in the Episcopal Church. In 2004, he and his wife, Laura Hubbs-Tait, became members of the Orthodox Church, and he now serves as sub-deacon at St. James Orthodox Church in Stillwater.

For more information, call the Stratton Taylor Library at 343-7716.