When St Pedro Poveda was writing in the early twentieth century, vast changes were occurring in Europe, the Western world and in Spain itself. What inspired Poveda to write so extensively? How was he able to maintain contact with intellectual and educational movements? What were the ideas that inspired his thoughts and gave him the energy to go ahead with his projects? What were the historical conditions leading up to his death in 1936? A study of the context in which Poveda wrote and acted, Christians in Secular Society allows the reader to understand more fully the period in which he lived and wrote.

The faith-science debate, the role of lay people in both Church and society, the early christians as reference points, the place of a “logical, just and christian” feminism, and human and social advancement through education and culture were key concerns for Poveda. He was inspired at one and the same time by a profound fidelity to the faith and the vision of a future societhy whose needs were not being met. Poveda’s writings can inspire today’s readers too, aided by this valuable publication, which is a translation of the introductory study in Volume I of Obras, the eight-volume critical edition of St Pedro Poveda’s works.