Customer Reviews

Shopping for Faith: American Religion in the New Millennium

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Terrific book at identifying why our search for faith and spiritual life has taken so many different roads. Influenced by the world events, yet still desiring a faith to guide us and make sense of our spiritual side. This book will help people to explore options and understand why they may have had some different feelings about their spirit along the way. The CD that comes with the book helps keep the explorations fresh.

This book, written in 1998, takes an objective look at the varieties of religious expression in America at the end of the 20th century and projects the observed trends into the new millennium. This is good information for anyone to have, whether one is a "seeker", a casual observer, or a devoted follower of a particular religion. It covers the "mix-and-match" religious experiences that are popular in some areas as well as the tradional religions who are embracing new methodology to impact today's society. The influence of religion in the social and political arenas is also addressed quite extensively. One subject the authors glossed over a little too quickly is the impact of televangelism and the effect it has on religious beliefs and practices. For good or for ill, televangelism has a much greater impact, at least in America's heartland, than the authors indicate. Otherwise, this book is very comprehensive and never ceases to be interesting.

Change often takes ten years to happen so the authors views seem to be occurring in 2007-2008. In the 80's and into the 90's mega churches were the ones that attracted the middle class folk. Well educated, 'religious' folks have been pretty consistent on not joining any church. And then there is the big group of 'religious' folk who having as an example attended a Catholic school and church still treasures the rituals on occasion but is more akin to Buddhism and Quaker ways of life. Walk the talk living. Also don't overlook how the economy drives peoples beliefs. A recession often brings about simple living beliefs which is attractive to those who are Buddhist, Quaker, small town churches with social justice mode. A book well worth reading.

This book must be read with an eye to the fact it was published in 1998. However, the authors accuracy for analysis of data and then predicting trends in American religion is impressive. What they demonstrate is that religion among Americans is in a state of flux, adaptation, and progress. For one, I hope they take the time to update their edition because this decade is going to usher in more stress over cultural issues and polarization among citizens.