1. The notion of culture. The history of "culture" - - The modern meaning of culture - - Criticism and reconstruction
2. Culture and theology. The nature and tasks of theology - - Christian culture and society - - Commonalities in Christian practice - - Diversity and creativity in theological judgment

"Since the 1970s exciting new directions in the study of culture have erupted to critique and displace earlier, largely static notions. These more dynamic models stress the indeterminate, fragmented, even conflictual character of cultural processes and completely alter the framework for thinking theologically about them. In fact, Tanner argues, the new orientation in cultural theory and anthropology affords fresh opportunities for religious thought and opens new vistas for theology, especially on how Christians conceive of the theological task, theological diversity and inculturation, and even Christianity's own cultural identity."