Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines the state of Christianity in the United States, considering trends in religious beliefs and affiliation over the last forty years. It seeks to explain why so many of America's largest denominations have witnessed such a dramatic decline during this period. It argues that, although there are many elements to this decline, the shrinking families of Americansincluding American Christiansare a primary explanation for our aging and shrinking Christian congregations.Beyond establishing this explanation for organized decline, this book also offers a survey of the relevant research explaining why more and more Americans are deferring family formation and having fewer (in many cases, zero) children. It discusses the relevant social science research on this subject, which focuses heavily on the role of economic change. It also summarizes the relevant research on cultural change and the family, particularly the relationship between religious beliefs and activities and changing
Trade ReviewHawley presents an interesting synthesis of cultural and demographic explanations for the trajectory of contemporary American Christian groups. Many readers will find the demographic assessments of particular religious denominations interesting and useful. It is an exceptionally useful text for ministers and seminaries. -- Darren Sherkat, SIU Carbondale
Hawley has done American Christianity a major service by writing this book. From parish pastors to denominational leaders, all need to comprehend the underlying demographic factors that have contributed to declining numbers in both mainline and evangelical denominations. But Hawley goes beyond mere head counting—tying in cultural trends, the changing makeup of the family, and other insights from his work as a political scientist. We Christians operate under the Lord's care and approach the future with confidence in His providence. But that doesn't mean we can ignore the trends unfolding before our eyes. Any Christian interested in faithfully charting a course for his parish or denomination under the Lord's care into a challenging future will benefit from reading Hawley's work. -- H. R. Curtis, Coordinator for Stewardship, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: The State of Christianity in America Chapter 2: Demographic Transition: What We Know Chapter 3: Economic and Technological Causes of Demographic Transition Chapter 4: Cultural Causes of Demographic Transition Chapter 5: Why People Abandon Christianity Chapter 6: Family Patterns and Denomination Decline Chapter 7: Diversity, Devotion, and Politics: Other Explanations for Denomination Decline Chapter 8: Denominational Divides in American History and Today Chapter 9: The Roman Catholic Church Chapter 10: Baptists Chapter 11: Methodists Chapter 12: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapter 13: Lutherans Chapter 14: Presbyterians Chapter 15: Episcopalians Chapter 16: Pentecostals Chapter 17: Conclusion Data Appendix
