I first became interested in the relation between theology and society more than ten years ago. But that is merely to mark the chronology, and not the investment. In the writing of this book, I have been seeking to show for myself the liberative character of Christian theology. Such is the personal nature of the investment. The argument has taken me in unexpected directions. (Indeed, this version is very different from a previous attempt.) During this process, I have often had my expectations disconfirmed and connections, previously taken for granted, put into question. That perhaps is how it should be: if the basic dynamic of this book is a critique of idolatry, there is no reason why its author should be free from its criticism.

In developing this interest I have accrued many debts. Indeed, it is difficult cheerfully to write a book on theology and ideology without realising the very particular nature of such debts: as a guard, in my own writing, against ideology. In the first instance, I am grateful to Rex Ambler for helping me to see, just as I was about to set out in a very different (ideological!) direction, the theological importance of the issues raised here. Denys Turner supervised my initial research in theology and ideology; his influence can be traced throughout the text. I am grateful for his support and encouragement through many conversations.