Dimensions
135 x 203 x 20mm
Religious affiliation continues to plummet across the breadth of Christian denominations. Atheist, agnostic, and "none of the above" responses to national polling questions are at the highest levels in this country's history. And there is a growing religious disillusionment spreading across America. Amidst denominational hand-wringing about this trend, churches that once boasted amazing growth are now flat lining or in decline. And yet, interest in "spirituality" is on the rise. What is behind the sea change in religion?
In her latest book, religion expert Diana Butler Bass offers a fresh interpretation of this transformation and identifies a new spiritual awakening taking place inside and outside the church. Based on new research and a careful reading of history, CHRISTIANITY AFTER RELIGION argues that traditional Christianity has focused on three prescriptions, in this order:
This is what to believe (theology)
This is how to behave (practice)
This is who you are (experience and community)
However, as modern people began to increasingly question their basic beliefs about their faith, disillusionment ensued and Christians began leaving the church as national studies reveal. Spirituality, by contrast, works in the reverse: people experience a connection to the divine directly and through community, are moved to change and serve others, and eventually discover what they believe. CHRISTIANITY AFTER RELIGION shows how this new bottom-up approach represents the real mission and message of Jesus and explains the dramatic spiritual awakening we are witnessing today. Replete with both statistical analysis and the testimonies of grassroots movements around the country, Bass's latest book shows us how to approach our own faith with a newfound freedom that is both life-giving and service driven. CHRISTIANITY AFTER RELIGION will appeal to both the news media and the large audience that made her first Harper book, CHRISTIANITY FOR THE REST OF US, a success.
