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Peter L. Berger
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A Rumor of Angels: Modern Society and the Rediscovery of the Supernatural Kindle Edition

by Peter L. Berger (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 82 ratings
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A sociologist’s look at the continuing importance of religion and the supernatural in the modern world, “cleverly expounded [and] enhanced by wit” (Kirkus Reviews). Acclaimed scholar and sociologist Peter L. Berger examines religion in twentieth-century Western society, exploring the social nature of knowledge and its effect on religious belief. Using five signs evident in ordinary life—order, play, hope, damnation, and humor—Berger calls for a rediscovery of the supernatural as a crucial, rich dimension of humanity. Conceived as a response to his influential book The Sacred Canopy, Berger eschews technical jargon and speaks directly and systematically to those, like himself, who wish to explore religious questions.
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  1. Print length
    122 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Open Road Media
  5. Publication date
    April 26, 2011
  6. File size
    2688 KB
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this slim and gracefully written volume, Peter Berger continues his call for a many-sided conversation among sociologists, philosophical anthropologists and theologians . . . A Rumor of Angels is splendidly ambitious in its proposals. It stretches the mind considerably.” —Robert J. McNamara, Sociological Analysis “There is both wit and wisdom in Berger’s essay. . . . Certainly his commitment to enduring human truths in a rapidly changing world should provide a model for those who pursue the theological task.” —Lowell D. Streiker, Saturday Review

From the Publisher

With unparalleled creativity and impeccable scholarship, this path-breaking classic confronts head-on the thesis that "God is dead." The new essays include discussions on religious politicization and the dilemmas of hardline morality.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004X36R9I
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Road Media; 1st edition (April 26, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 26, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2688 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 122 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 82 ratings

About the author

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Peter L. Berger

Peter L. Berger

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Peter L. Berger (Boston, MA) is University Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, at Boston University and the founder and Senior Research Fellow of the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. He has written numerous books on sociological theory, the sociology of religion, and Third World development. Among his more recent books are In Praise of Doubt (with Anton Zijderveld); Religious America, Secular Europe? (with Grace Davie and Effie Fokas); Questions of Faith; Many Globalizations (edited with Samuel Huntington); and Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience. Professor Berger has received honorary degrees from Loyola University, University of Notre Dame, University of Geneva, University of Munich, Sofia University, and Renmin University of China.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
82 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

name
5.0 out of 5 stars clear and concise
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2008
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Peter Berger has a skill for clear and concise sociological writing, and this is the case in this book. This book deals with the state of thological and religious thought in the modern world, where the availability of several options for individuals to think and believe has caused a challenge
to theological thought and religous institutions. He makes the case that a complete understanding of this is important for both religious and non-religious individuals, and also for theologians and scholars of religion. He also advances from this, and what he has said previously in the other book The Sacred Canopy, that an inductive faith is a possible option for those who find it impossible to ignore modern thought, including the empirical sciences, in their religious beliefs. Faith and the supernatural do not have to be ruled out just because empirical science does not support them. This is what Tolstoy called "irrational knowledge" and it is critical to consider, especially in our modern time.
15 people found this helpful
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Raymond C. Sigrist
4.0 out of 5 stars flimsy excuse for the existence of God
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2010
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I really enjoyed Peter Berger's attempt to apologize for the apparent absence of God in the modern, and now post-modern world. His writing is excellent and he presents the problem very well:

"There are, of course, secular theodicies. They fail, however in interpreting and thus in making bearable the extremes of human suffering. They fail notably in interpreting death."

As you can see, he is taking the apostle Paul's line here: If death is not solved, there is no meaning to life. In other words, there is, ipso facto, no God.

Corinthians 15:13 "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then the Messiah has not been raised, and if the Messiah has not been raised, then our message means nothing and your faith means nothing."

On the other hand, his arguments in the book fail to demonstrate the existence of God or meaning.

What I find very interesting is that in my experience, prayer works, whether or not one believes in any theological system. And deliverance from fear and existential angst is quite possible without knowing the certainty of a God's existence, of immortality, or of any meaning for human existence.

 In Love with Everything
17 people found this helpful
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Chuck Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly excellent, Berger's view still is expessed by this slim volume.
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2017
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Absolutely excellent! This was written as a followup to The Sacred Canopy.
which Berger himself said "read like a treatise on atheism, at least in parts."
My hard cover copy cost $5.50 in 1967. Try getting that today.
5 people found this helpful
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Melodramatic
4.0 out of 5 stars Also PhD Worthy
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2013
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This book has made for excellent pillow talk with the wife. I have told her about the Rumor of Angels, then I take her to heaven.
2 people found this helpful
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Muche U
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2021
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Great book
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Michael Dresbach
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Experience
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2017
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The book arrived in a very timely fashion and delivered without damage.
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Foster
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2015
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A modern exposition of "all will be well and all will be well."
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Broady.3
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2017
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Good Book, fast delivery
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Marek C Slowikowski
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2015
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great service and goods
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Azza R
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 7, 2016
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brilliant seller and book was in the state it was in descrition honesty is the best
One person found this helpful
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Portal
5.0 out of 5 stars An enduring classic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2014
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Berger develops his extensive sociological discipline to embrace the significance of the Christion religion in the development of society. A book with enduring importance.
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RJP
4.0 out of 5 stars A Rumor of Angels: Modern Society and the Rediscovery of the Supernatural Peter L Berger
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2014
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Book was as described and arrived quickly in good condition except that the spine was cracked in one place, possibly in the post, due to the fact is is a slim and light (102 pp) book, and unfortunately it was packed in a Jiffy bag without any other cardboard protection. Although written in 1968 it is still relevant to the situation today as secularism continues to flourish. A useful insight.
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Felicity
3.0 out of 5 stars hard work
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2012
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Whilst I am sure this book is right about most things, I find it hard work to read. Perhaps my intellect or concentration levels are poor, but I have not finished reading it yet. I will persevere
One person found this helpful
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