ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the historic background to the France of Pierre-Andre Lig's birth and examining what shaped his life and thought. Lig's theology, pastoral theology and legacy are then outlined. The book now shifts the scene to Britain. It looks at the story of pastoral theology in Britain where Lig is unknown to theologians. This is followed by a critical comparison of Lig's work with some key British and American theologians. Lig's pioneering work in the 1950s did much to prepare the ground for Vatican II. At the end of this journey you will have had a chance to make up your mind how well you think the contemporary church has succeeded in responding to Lig's challenge to separate authentic life in Christ from unwittingly assimilated culture.
