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American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us Hardcover – October 5, 2010

by Robert D. Putnam (Author), David E. Campbell (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 194 ratings
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American Grace is a major achievement, a groundbreaking examination of religion in America.

Unique among nations, America is deeply religious, religiously diverse, and remarkably tolerant. But in recent decades the nation’s religious landscape has been reshaped.

America has experienced three seismic shocks, say Robert Putnam and David Campbell. In the 1960s, religious observance plummeted. Then in the 1970s and 1980s, a conservative reaction produced the rise of evangelicalism and the Religious Right. Since the 1990s, however, young people, turned off by that linkage between faith and conservative politics, have abandoned organized religion. The result has been a growing polarization—the ranks of religious conservatives and secular liberals have swelled, leaving a dwindling group of religious moderates in between. At the same time, personal interfaith ties are strengthening. Interfaith marriage has increased while religious identities have become more fluid. Putnam and Campbell show how this denser web of personal ties brings surprising interfaith tolerance, notwithstanding the so-called culture wars.

American Grace is based on two of the most comprehensive surveys ever conducted on religion and public life in America. It includes a dozen in-depth profiles of diverse congregations across the country, which illuminate how the trends described by Putnam and Campbell affect the lives of real Americans.

Nearly every chapter of American Grace contains a surprise about American religious life. Among them:

• Between one-third and one-half of all American marriages are interfaith;

• Roughly one-third of Americans have switched religions at some point in their lives;

• Young people are more opposed to abortion than their parents but more accepting of gay marriage;

• Even fervently religious Americans believe that people of other faiths can go to heaven;

• Religious Americans are better neighbors than secular Americans: more generous with their time and treasure even for secular causes—but the explanation has less to do with faith than with their communities of faith;

• Jews are the most broadly popular religious group in America today.


American Grace promises to be the most important book in decades about American religious life and an essential book for understanding our nation today.
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  1. Print length
    688 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Simon & Schuster
  4. Publication date
    October 5, 2010
  5. Dimensions
    6.13 x 1.9 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1416566716
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1416566717
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* In recent controversy over the national motto, In God we trust, Putnam and Campbell see a symptom of profound change in the national character. Using data drawn from two large surveys, the authors plumb these changes. The data show that the tempestuous sixties shook faith in religion and that the seventies and eighties incubated a strong resurgence of devotion. But the two most recent decades add another twist, as young Americans have abandoned the pews in record numbers. Still, despite recent erosion of religious commitment, Americans remain a distinctively devout people. And devotion affects life far from the sanctuary: Putnam and Campbell parse numbers that identify religious Americans as more generous, more civically engaged, and more neighborly than their secularly minded peers. But the analysis most likely to stir debate illuminates how religion has increasingly separated Republicans from Democrats, conservatives from progressives. Readers may blame the Christian Right for this new cultural fissure, but survey statistics mark liberal congregations as the most politicized. But whether looking at politics or piety, the authors complement their statistical analysis with colorful vignettes, humanizing their numbers with episodes from the lives of individual Protestants and Catholics, Jews and Mormons. An essential resource for anyone trying to understand twenty-first-century America. --Bryce Christensen

Review

“American Grace is a monumental work, an elegant narrative built on a solid foundation of massive research. This surprising, absolutely fascinating, and ultimately uplifting portrait of the changing role of religion in American life deserves the widest possible audience. It is a triumph.”

—Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

“Religion is perhaps the most significant but little understood force in American life, and this new book goes a long way toward illuminating how faith affects our politics and our culture. Robert Putnam and David Campbell have produced an original and thought-provoking work.”

—Jon Meacham, author of American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation

“Perhaps the most sweeping look yet at contemporary American religion.”

—Michelle Boorstein, The Washington Post

“American Grace is an instant canonical text. It is indispensable for any grasp of our pluralistic religious culture. And it inspires us to deepen our ecumenical democracy!”

—Cornel West, Center for African American Studies, Princeton University

“This remarkable book does to religion what the Kinsey Report did to sex: document , dissect and assess the role religion—broadly defined to include disbelief and uncertainty—plays in our national experience. Whether you are a fundamentalist or atheist (or anything in-between) this book matters, because religion matters.”

—Alan Dershowitz, author of The Genesis Of Justice and The Trials Of Zion

“In American Grace, Robert Putnam and David Campbell analyze survey data and congregational profiles to give us a comprehensive look at religion in our country, and reach conclusions that will provide much thought for reflection. For those interested in the role of religion in society, this is an important book to read. It will be the topic of much discussion.”

—Jim Wallis, President of Sojourners and author of God's Politics and Rediscovering Values

“For anyone interested in the role of religion in America’s civic life, Robert Putnam and David Campbell’s American Grace is a must read. I am confident that their findings from rich case studies and sophisticated analysis of original national surveys will be of great value to academics, politicians, community organizers, religious and non-religious leaders, and American citizens who wonder about why and how religion continues to matter so much in American civic and private life.”

—Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame

“This is the best overview of American religion in the last half century that I have ever read. If you care about American religion, you must read this book.”

—Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President, Union for Reform Judaism

“A big, multifaceted work. . . . Intellectually powerful.”

—Robert Wright, New York Times Book Review

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 5, 2010
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 688 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1416566716
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416566717
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.13 x 1.9 x 9.25 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,009,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 194 ratings

About the author

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Robert D. Putnam

Robert D. Putnam

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Robert D. Putnam is the Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University and founder of the Saguaro Seminar, a program dedicated to fostering civic engagement in America. He is the author or coauthor of ten previous books and is former dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
194 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and well-researched, with excellent analysis of American religious trends, and one customer particularly appreciates the fascinating case studies and vignettes. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, and customers find it thought-provoking, with one noting the heavy emphasis on generational shifts. However, the presentation of information through graphs and charts receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding them overwhelming. The readability and author's style also get mixed reviews.

Select to learn more

Information qualityInterestReligionThought provokingWriting qualityGraphsReadabilityAuthor's style
29 customers mention "Information quality"25 positive4 negative

Customers find the book insightful and well-researched, providing good information about religion.

"Carefully researched. Perhaps a bit too many graphs and charts. I believe he makes his case." Read more

"Robert Putnam is so insightful. I read this book at the library and purchased it so I'd have it for reference...." Read more

"...data on issues and stories about congregations gave a valuable perspective." Read more

"An in-depth, statistics-laden study of US religion over the past 50 years...." Read more

16 customers mention "Interest"14 positive2 negative

Customers find the book very interesting, with one mentioning the fascinating case studies and vignettes, while another notes the engaging individual church summary reports.

"Just started reading. Seems interesting so far." Read more

"American Grace is amazing. A well written, interesting and a surprisingly funny account of the changes in Religion in America and how we tolerate..." Read more

"Very interesting book that gives evidence to changes in Christianity I'd seen over the years...." Read more

"Compelling." Read more

10 customers mention "Religion"9 positive1 negative

Customers praise the book's excellent analysis of American religious trends, with one customer noting its comprehensive coverage of major faiths.

"Excellent book regarding religion and the importance of it as an institution in American Political life...." Read more

"It is an excellent snapshot of religion today in the U.S.A. What will be the picture in the next five or ten years given the rapid rate of change in..." Read more

"...It explores whether faith affects politics in our country as well as the changing face of U.S. religion...." Read more

"Relevant for our polarized religious culture. Encouraging for our inclusive religious communities...." Read more

6 customers mention "Thought provoking"5 positive1 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one customer noting its heavy emphasis on generational shifts, while another mentions how it provides evidence of changes in Christianity.

"...fascinating and the author's analysis mostly plausible and always thought-provoking...." Read more

"Fantastic book! Some startling and unexpected findings that challenge conventional wisdom. Helps explain a lot about us." Read more

"Very interesting book that gives evidence to changes in Christianity I'd seen over the years...." Read more

"...the continuation of current trends with a healthy and heavy emphasis on generational shifts...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book.

"...Still, this is a very well-researched and well written book." Read more

"This is a lengthy book but very well written and manages to keep one's interest...." Read more

"American Grace is amazing. A well written, interesting and a surprisingly funny account of the changes in Religion in America and how we tolerate..." Read more

"...may appeal to be "insanely long" to some people, the writing is actually pretty interesting and many pages include chart or diagram that helps..." Read more

5 customers mention "Graphs"3 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed feelings about the graphs in the book, with some finding them too numerous and overwhelming, while one customer notes they are lucidly clear.

"...people, the writing is actually pretty interesting and many pages include chart or diagram that helps explain the statistic and data they have..." Read more

"Carefully researched. Perhaps a bit too many graphs and charts. I believe he makes his case." Read more

"...analysis used was spot-on, and the presentations through graphs and charts were lucidly clear for both technical and non-technical audiences." Read more

"...The data/charts was overwhelming and not of much use to me personally. However, they did support conclusions that I had already made on my own." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"2 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding it a slow read.

"This data-filled and thought-provoking book is best read in small chunks, then thoroughly digested, rather than downed in a few sittings...." Read more

"Heavy reading, but very informative." Read more

"Makes you think, makes for a slow read..." Read more

"...Made the reading tedious and almost boring, but overall the research information was interesting." Read more

3 customers mention "Author's style"2 positive1 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the author's style.

"...I found the survey data fascinating and the author's analysis mostly plausible and always thought-provoking...." Read more

"Had to read for a class. Did not like the authors. Did not like their sources which were very cherry-picked and biased...." Read more

"Robert Putnam is perhaps the greatest writer of sociological trends." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Steve
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Rich and Rewarding Tour of U.S Religion
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2011
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    An in-depth, statistics-laden study of US religion over the past 50 years. I found the survey data fascinating and the author's analysis mostly plausible and always thought-provoking. The authors also complement the analysis with vignettes of a selection of diverse U.S congregations.

    The book discusses a huge number of issues, trends, and cross-currents. One interesting topic concerns the recent growth in the portion of Americans with no religious affiliation (sometimes referred to as the "nones"); the authors analyze this phenomenon by explaining how the sexual revolution of the 60's led first to the rise of the religious right, and then more recently to a counter-reaction on the part of those turned off by this rise (especially younger people).

    Another key conclusion regards the strength of Americans' religious tolerance in the face of our differences. The authors argue religious diversity among our extended family and friends leads to a high level of tolerance on the part of all but a small proportion of hard cases.

    There's alot more here, and much that was new to me. Reading it even prompted me to take a dive into other survey data available on-line (Pew's US Religious Landscape Survey, and the American Religious Identification Survey) as I caught the bug of learning about the details of our unique American religious stew.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Greg Smith (aka sowhatfaith)
    5.0 out of 5 stars an insightful exploration of the shifting American religious landscape
    Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    American Grace explores the religious landscape in America by considering shifts that have happened during the last half century, looking in detail at present beliefs and practices, and offering scholarly suggestions for what changes may mean over the next many years. The historical consideration, relying heavily on data from a variety of well known surveys like the General Social Survey, extends back some fifty years to show not only the nature but also the speed of change. The data regarding present beliefs and practices focuses on original research conducted via the Faith Matters surveys (3108 participants in 2006 then 1909 of that group in 2007). The possibilities of what changes will likely occur in the future are based on the continuation of current trends with a healthy and heavy emphasis on generational shifts.

    The book's subtitle, How Religion Divides and Unites Us, provides the focus for the fifteen topical chapters. The first and last chapters offer insight into how people of varying religions and those with no religion have managed to get along together in a deeply religious nation during a time of transitions that have led to religious polarization and pluralism. Between these two are ten chapters examining specific shifts and three chapters that take readers into actual congregations for a look at how religion is experienced on the individual and congregational levels.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • gente boa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great blend of qual/quant
    Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2010
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Putnam and Campbell offer a comprehensive if sometimes disjointed portrait of religion in America. The case studies and vignettes are fascinating, especially the Jewish and Mormon portions, and the statistical analysis is very accessible. It is a fun read and a good primer for someone interested in religion and politics. My only complaint is that the chapters don't always flow one from another. Still, this is a very well-researched and well written book.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jim
    5.0 out of 5 stars but it is good to understand why and how the nation's religious observance ...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Very interesting book that gives evidence to changes in Christianity I'd seen over the years. With statistics, ties to recent events of history, and a theoretical framework it goes far beyond any observations I have. I believe the book would interest many non-Christians because many people are interested in recent history and church history is inseparable from US history generally. To consider the Church sociologically does not replace devotion to Christ, but it contributes to a thoughtful and well-rounded world view, and this book helps with that. Even as Christ Himself does not change, it is good to understand how and why the USA's religious observance has changed in recent decades. Considered four stars only because it is a few years old by now, but decided it was too good for four stars.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Rumy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking & Welcome
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2012
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This data-filled and thought-provoking book is best read in small chunks, then thoroughly digested, rather than downed in a few sittings. It explores whether faith affects politics in our country as well as the changing face of U.S. religion.

    Some interesting takeaways: At the end of WWII, American churchgoers occupying the pews of most churches were as likely to be Democrats as Republicans. The "religiosity" (religious fervor) of Americans today is higher than that of people in other industrialized nations - including Italy and Iran.

    The authors use data from five respected surveys spanning many years to give a thorough look at the spectrum of U.S. religion and how it, and its relationship to social and political issues, has changed over the past half century. Whether the landscape that emerges offers reassurance or not depends on one's perspective.

    Because it contains numerous graphs and tables, this book is better read on paper than as an e-book.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Ruth Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent analysis of American religious trends
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2010
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is a lengthy book but very well written and manages to keep one's interest. The different analyses of religious faiths in America were quite interesting. Some were quite unexpected, others predictable if one belongs to a religious comunity. I appreciated that opinions were backed up by the data from surverys, rather than made up whole-cloth. Survery data have their own weaknesses but data-based is a good start.
    The book would be of interest to those in Administrative positions in the church, as well as to lay leaders who are curious.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • dr david m b hall
    5.0 out of 5 stars high class science
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 27, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed Putnam's other major work, Bowling Alone. I'm a retired paediatrician in South Africa with an interest in the social side of medicine as well as the biological and so much of modern child health is related to social issues more than biological ones. So I more or less bought this book on sight and I was not disappointed. It is a scholarly and thoughtful discussion about religion in the USA and how it affects the social and political scene. Putnam's methodology is meticulous and his approach of examining all the results of research to look for pitfalls and for the direction of causality is impressive. X is related to Y. Does that mean that X caused Y, or Y caused X, or did Z cause both? This is in the best tradition of epidemiological research . If the title grabs you, it means that the topic is one that intrigues you - so buy it. And while you are thinking about religion, also buy Leaving Alexandria by Richard Holloway. I read these back to back - still mulling over the implications.
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  • Guelph_Economic
    5.0 out of 5 stars it is nice hard cover with nice
    Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    daughter wanted the story, it is nice hard cover with nice price
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  • Ottocubano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Acquistato per la tesi
    Reviewed in Italy on April 2, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    È un testo che mi è stato utile per la tesi, è scritto da una delle personalità americane nel campo della sociologia delle religioni che in questo si interseca con la scienza politica.
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  • Michael T. Ryan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Well-Presented Study
    Reviewed in Canada on November 20, 2012
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is an excellent sociological study of religion in America. It should be very helpful to all students of religion, and is filled with facts that will be especially interesting to clergy and other spiritual leaders.
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  • Suzy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2016
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Interesting book. Bought it for a class.
    Report