Description
Book SynopsisHigh on God offers a fascinating study of the rise of megachurches and the reasons that these churches have conquered the American church market. The authors reveal the emotional and social dynamics that pull thousands of people into megachurches and keep them there.
Trade ReviewThe title might suggest that the book's major theme is that megachurches generate an addiction of sorts or provide a pain-dulling opiate. The analysis, built on field research by the authors, is, however, more sophisticated. * Stephen Dalton, University of Essex, Modern Believing *
This book is ambitious, offering not only a detailed theory as to why megachurches are successful but also a new take on the sociology of religion. * Mark Mattes, Grand View University, Lutheran Quarterly *
insightful and informative * Jay M. Medenwaldt, Review of Religious Research *
Wellman, Corcoran, and Stockly have provided an excellent study of mega churches and why they continue to grow and spread. This work should be taken seriously by anyone interested in contemporary methods of religious studies as the work beautifully integrates a Durkheimian lens with contemporary methods of ritual theory, embodiment, micro-sociology, and even cognitive sciences. The work is also indispensable to anyone interested in current trends in American churches. * D.F. Sebastian, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas *
Karl Marx's concept of religion as the 'opiate of the people' is familiar, and in this intriguing book Wellman, Corcoran and Stockly explore the contemporary cultural cravings that megachurches might be said to satisfy. To a large extent, the book succeeds in excavating the idea of getting 'high on God'. As someone who drew attention to the rhetoric of 'intoxication' more than two decades ago in respect of the phenomenon of the 'Toronto Blessing' . . . I think that 'reading' religion through a lens such as drugs-induced 'highs' has some real potential. * Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, UK *
High on God reminds us about the importance of paying greater attention to the roles of emotions and ritual in explaining the emergence, growth, and even failure of religious organizational forms. * Stephen Ellingson, Hamilton College, Sociology of Religion *
How have megachurches taken over church attendance in America? By replacing traditional church formalities with casual clothing and everyday settings that look like malls or pop concerts. Above all, by creating successful interaction rituals, with high rhythmic entrainment, mutual attention, and a love affair with a charismatic pastor who channels embodied emotions back out into the congregation. Wellman, Corcoran, and Stockly explore the dangers too, as adulation of the pastor can lead to sex scandals and the perils of too much success. High-energy churches draw people from low-energy churches by putting into practice the power of micro-sociology. * Randall Collins, author of Napoleon Never Slept: How Great Leaders Leverage Social Energy *
Neither dismissive nor encomiastic, High on God examines the phenomenon of megachurches from a variety of perspectives-- sociological, demographic, psychological, ethnographic and, most important, historical. The authors discern an intricate negotiation between self and society that characterizes those who attend megachurches. This intelligent and nuanced study may provide the best analysis of megachurches (and those who love them) to date. * Randall Balmer, author of Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: A Journey into the Evangelical Subculture in America *
In High on God, Emile Durkheim meets Joel Osteen. Authors Wellman, Corcoran, and Stockly integrate social science theory with contemporary data to explain the emotional draw of America's largest Protestant churches. They argue that megachurches and their charismatic pastors help fulfill deep human needs. A fascinating topic, well researched, and engagingly written. I highly recommend it. * Kevin D. Dougherty, Associate Professor of Sociology Baylor University *
Table of ContentsPreface: Am I High on God? Acknowledgements Part I: Desire is the Heart of Religion 1. Megachurch the Drug that Works 2. The Problem of Cooperation and Homo Duplex 3. Interaction Rituals and Embodied Choice Theory 4. Defining Religion: The Profane and the Sacred 5. Megachurch: An American Original (Almost) 6. Congregations in a Time of Change Part II: Pistons of Desire and Power: Cracking the Megachurch Code 7. The Micro-Sociology of Interaction Rituals within Megachurches 8. Desire for Acceptance and Belonging 9. Desire for WOW or Hacking the Happy 10. Desire for a Reliable Leader 11. Desire for Deliverance 12. Desire for Purpose in Service 13. Desire to Re-member Part III: The Dark Side of American Megachurches: How They Blind and Bind 14. Dissecting Megachurch Scandals 15. Conclusion: Havens of Health or Habitats for the Prosperity Gospel? Postscript from the Pews Appendix A: Megachurch Data and Methods Appendix B: How is God "like a Drug"?: Exploring the Evolution of Social Affects and Oxytocin Appendix C: Megachurch Scandals References Index
