Description
Book SynopsisExperts in American religious history and the sociology of religion
examine the decline of mainline Protestantism over the past half century and assess its future. The book argues that the mainline Protestant movement will continue to be a vital remnant in a culture torn between the contending forces of secularism and evangelicalism.
Trade ReviewMainline Protestantism never outgrew its ethnic families of origin and it suffered a breathtaking fall from fifty percent to ten percent of the population. Yet it remains a constructive and influential force in American life. This splendid book lucidly, cogently, and judiciously captures both sides of this story and picture, making a valuable contribution. -- Gary Dorrien, Columbia University
For at least two decades, scholars have been addressing the presumed decline of mainline Protestantism in the United States. But mainline Protestantism refuses to disappear. Thus, what
The Future of Mainline Protestantism in America proffers, namely a look at the future of mainline Protestantism, is timely indeed. -- Charles Lippy, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
A timely collection,
The Future of Mainline Protestantism in America synthesizes a great deal of recent scholarship in a way that will speak to a wide audience of students and scholars alike. It will make a positive contribution to the wider field of American religion, in particular, to the fields of sociology of religion, history of American Christianity, and religion in American culture. -- Christopher Evans, Boston University
With precision, clarity, and balance, these authors explore many facets of the well-known but less well understood mainline tradition.
The Future of Mainline Protestantism in America offers facts, a guide to pertinent literature, a survey of history, and predictions about coming challenges and opportunities—all highly relevant to conversations about religion in American culture. -- Elesha J. Coffman, author of
The Christian Century and the Rise of the Protestant MainlineA welcome contribution to American religious scholarship. * Reading Religion *
Table of ContentsSeries Editors’ Introduction: The Future of Religion in America, by Mark Silk and Andrew H. Walsh
Introduction, by James Hudnut-Beumler
1. The State of Contemporary Mainline Protestantism, by Graham Reside
2. The Beliefs and Practices of Mainline Protestants, by David Bains
3. Futures for Mainline Protestant Institutions, by Maria Erling
4. A Divided House, by Daniel Sack
5. The Mainline and the Soul of International Relations, by Andrew H. Walsh
Conclusion: The Quakerization of Mainline Protestantism, by James Hudnut-Beumler
Appendix A: American Religious Identification Survey: Research Design
Appendix B: American Religious Identification Survey: Future of Religion in America Survey
Appendix C: American Religious Identification Survey: Typology of Religious Groups
List of Contributors
Index
