Description
Based in the idea that social phenomena are best studied through the lens of different disciplinary perspectives, Empty Churches studies the growing number of individuals who no longer affiliate with a religious tradition. Co-editors Jan Stets, a social psychologist, and James Heft, a historian of theology, bring together leading scholars in the fields of sociology, developmental psychology, gerontology, political science, history, philosophy, and pastoral theology.The scholars in this volume explore the phenomenon by drawing from each other's work to understand better the multi-faceted nature of non-affiliation today. They explore the complex impact that non-affiliation has on individuals and the wider society, and what the future looks like for religion in America. The book also features insightful perspectives from parents of young adults and interviews with pastors struggling with this issue who address how we might address this trend. Empty Churches provides a rich and thoughtful analysis on non- affiliation in American society from multiple scholarly perspectives. The increasing growth of non-affiliation threatens the vitality and long-term stability of religious institutions, and this book offers guidance on maintaining the commitment and community at the heart of these institutions.
Table of Contents
Preface: Robert M. McElroy, Bishop of San DiegoChapter 1: Introduction: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Non-AffiliationJan E. Stets, University of California, RiversideWHO ARE THEY?Chapter 2: The Many Meanings of Non-AffiliationNancy Ammerman, Boston UniversityChapter 3: The Many Meanings of the SecularJoseph O. Baker, East Tennessee State UniversityChapter 4: Lapsed Catholics and Other Religious Non-AffiliatesCarol Ann MacGregor and Ashlyn Haycook, Loyola University New OrleansChapter 5: Affiliates and Non-Affiliates in Later LifeVern Bengtson, University of Southern California, and Gabrielle Gonzales, Camille Endacott, and Samantha Copping Kang, University of California, Santa BarbaraWHERE DO THEY COME FROM?Chapter 6: Developmental Views on Youth Religious Non-AffiliationSam A. Hardy, Brigham Young University and Gregory S. Longo, Eastern UniversityChapter 7: Religious Non-Affiliation: Expelled by the RightWilliam V. Trollinger, University of DaytonChapter 8: The Transformation of Religion: Drawn by the LeftMatthew S. Hedstrom, University of VirginiaWHAT ARE SOME CONSEQUENCES?Chapter 9: Non-religiosity, Secularism, and Civil SocietyDavid E. Campbell, University of Notre DameChapter 10: Religious Non-Affiliation and Objections of ConscienceBernard G. Prusak, King's CollegeADDRESSING THE CHALLENGEChapter 11: Reports from Faith Community Leaders in the SouthElizabeth Kirkland CahillChapter 12: Cultivating Faith in Young AdultsKerry A. Robinson, Leadership RoundtableChapter 13: Understanding and Responding to Non-AffiliationJames L. Heft, University of Southern CaliforniaEpilogue: Jan E. Stets, University of California, Riverside and James L. Heft, University of Southern CaliforniaNotesIndex
