From Lordship to Stewardship : Religion and Social Change in Malta

The series Religion and Society (RS) contributes to the exploration of religions as social systems– both in Western and non-Western societies; in particular, it examines religions in their differentiation from, and intersection with, other cultural systems, such as art, economy, law and politics. Due attention is given to paradigmatic case or comparative studies that exhibit a clear theoretical orientation with the empirical and historical data of religion and such aspects of religion as ritual, the religious imagination, constructions of tradition, iconography, or media. In addition, the formation of religious communities, their construction of identity, and their relation to society and the wider public are key issues of this series. Preface 8 Contents 10 List of Tables 12 List of Abbreviations 13 Introduction 14 1. Malta in Time and Space 28 2. The Experience of Social Change in Malta 34 3. The Response of the Maltese to Religion 72 4. The Place of Religion in Maltese Societal Organization 94 5. The Diocesan Clergy 128 6. The Worldview of Malta's Diocesan Priesthood in a Period of General Upheaval 146 Conclusion 196 Appendices 214 Notes 222 Bibliography 250 Index 266 Mario Vassallo. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. [249]-263.