The Seven Faith Tribes: Who They Are, What They Believe, and Why They Matter (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Evangelical Christian researcher Barna believes that a U.S. in which self-interest has overtaken shared interests is spiraling toward self-destruction but that it’s not too late for the country to reinvent itself. He clearly states, however, that this book doesn’t aim to convert anyone to his religious views; indeed, he insists it is crucial for Christians to work with non-Christians. From analyzing more than 30,000 interviews with U.S. adults, Barna has determined that Americans, while belonging to more than 200 different religious affiliations, belong to just seven faith tribes: casual Christians (67 percent); captive Christians (16 percent); Jews (2 percent); Mormons (1.5 percent); pantheists, mostly Eastern religions (1.5 percent); Muslims (less than 1 percent); and skeptics, including atheists and agnostics (11 percent). Barna profiles each group’s religious beliefs, political perspectives, and self-conceptions. A chapter on the media is especially provocative, since Barna considers media exposure America’s most widespread and serious addiction. Barna’s prospective call to action will upset some and please others while remaining fascinating, important, and worthy of reflection by all its readers. --June Sawyers

Product Description

In this groundbreaking new book, acclaimed researcher and author George Barna identifies, describes, and analyzes seven major “faith tribes” in America—documenting who they are, what they believe, how they vote, and what they are passionate about. Barna provides helpful insight into how these groups influence our economy, politics, and values—and what their potential is to change America. Through his in-depth study of all seven tribes, Barna has identified potential strategies that faith tribes—if they choose to—could employ to facilitate healing and restoration in American culture, and cultures across the world.

The seven tribes are as follows: Captive Christians, Casual Christians, Jews, Mormons, Pantheists, Muslims, and Skeptics.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: BarnaBooks (April 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414324049
• ISBN-13: 978-1414324043
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,118 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #13 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Church & State
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  #31 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Comparative Religion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for anyone working within their community, June 8, 2009

By	Jennifer Tiszai (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've known of George Barna for years as the man who does polls and research on what Christians are thinking and doing. So I was more than happy to pick up his latest book to see what info I could glean from it.

I think it should be recommended reading for anyone who is responsible for reaching out to their community. And really, isn't that all of us? Because if you don't know what your neighbors are thinking, you could be making assumptions about them and missing the issues they're concerned about. The way he breaks down the predominate groups of religious thought in America, with their concerns, beliefs, and values, is a great help in understanding others who don't believe like we do.

Barna's tremendous volume of research will help anyone, from those who want to find common ground with others to those who want to know how to reach out and help care for their neighbors.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting insights on religion in the U.S., June 28, 2009

By	Maryjane Scheibal "book lover" (Mays Landing NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book hits the nail on the head describing the traits of different religions in our country...anyone interested in the "personality" traits of varying religious groups..must read it...clergyman of all faiths should read it too..as well as social workers, therapist, etc..so much of "who were are" lies in the roots of our religious upbringings.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Call to Action for all Americans, July 8, 2009

By	DLautzCinci "DLautzCinci" (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews

Barna asks the reader, "Do you want the United States to be great again, badly enough to do what it takes?"

Barna argues that the United States is self-destructing because Americans no longer defend the moral values of the founding fathers. As a result, we now face issues in our government leadership, families, and mass media that threaten our future.

It is crucial for us to address the root of these problems, as Barna's research shows that leadership, family, and media are the top influences on American's lives, shaping worldviews and subsequent behaviors.

Barna urges Americans to publicly support twenty shared values that are common to all regardless of their faith.

If you want the U.S. to be great again, read Barna's book.