Description
Book SynopsisExamines how middle class Americans juggle the seemingly paradoxical relationship between faith and reason. Based on interviews with two hundred people from various faiths, this book dispels the common explanations: that Americans are adept at keeping religion and intellect separate, or that they are a nation of joiners.
Trade Review"Offers an important counterbalance to the overly simplistic atheistic challenges of Richard Dawkins and company." Publishers Weekly "A important book." -- Jerome P. Baggett Christian Century "Wuthnow writes in an accessible manner that challenges the reader to consider how Americans make sense of God... Wuthnow provides insightful and challenging research that is useful in understanding the unique paradox of American religious adherence and a commitment to reason as a matter of faith. This books serves both as a revelation of the complex rhetorical negotiation that maintains this paradox, but also provides insight into how people of faith may understand the tension that exists in their own congregations and the greater community they seek to serve." -- Joy E. A. Qualls Enrichment
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction One. Dangerous Dogma Two. Talking to God Three. Big Scary Catastrophes Four. Heaven Is a Wonderful Place Five. Jesus Sets You Free Six. Billions of Galaxies Seven. Conclusion: Don't Be Spooky or Weird Appendix Selected Bibliography Index
