The Churching of America 1776-2005
TITLE OF THE BOOK: THE CHURCHING OF AMERICA 1776-2005
A 3 page paper on the major thesis of the book. Who are the specific 'winners' and specific 'losers' and why? How is this book helpful in our understanding of American Religious Traditions?
It is very important that you purchase and use the text for the first paper. It is essential to understanding the entire course. You do not have to read the book word for word. That is difficult in any academic setting. Read for the thesis and examples and read so that you can write your paper on what the specific assignment calls for. I, also, need to see page numbers from the text in your paper. Example: (p.12) I do not need author names, year of publication and title--just the page #. Short, pithy quotes from the text creatively show page numbers. All assignments are most specific and clear. Your papers also need to be specific and clear. You cannot pass the course without completing this assignment on time. You have a most generous deadline.
The Churching of America 1776-2005
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The Churching of America 1776-2005
"The churching of America 1776-2005" outlines the thesis of America religion in the traditional and contemporary world. The authors Finke and Stark noted that the most striking trend in America's history of religion is the growth of the so-called the Churching of America. Finke and Stark contended that historians saw a decline in America's religion using a traditional church-sect distinction because their assumptions made them consider the wrong religious institutions. They charged that "an absence of religious activity is frequently asserted when the preferred brand of religious activity lacks" (pg. 11). They meant by the preferred brand are the theologically complex churches that are not in high tension with society.
Although many Americans have perceived that America declined in religious participation, the authors present a different view. In 1776, less than one in five Americans were active church members. Today, church membership includes around six out of ten people. However, all denominations did not benefit. Finke and Stark explain the reasons behind the beginning of the fall of the early 19th century churches while two newcomer sects, the Methodists and the Baptists, gained momentum. They also evaluated why the Methodists began to descend, why the Baptists continued to thrive, and the beginning of competition between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant missionaries (pg. 8). The book also analyzes why the Catholic ecumenical movements have declined since the Second Vatican.
In other words, the book informs that Americans are not abandoning religion. Instead, they have been distancing themselves from established denominations. Finke and Stark postulate that a church-sect process is always in progress, as thriving churches lose their stamina and are substituted by less earthly groups. According to some observers, the mushrooming of churches shows increased participation in church activities. The authors challenge this observation as well. They argue that the groups that have attained the highest numbers have directed their followers to accept traditional doctrines and otherworldliness. They also argue that success in religious institutions occurs when they demand sacrifices and comfort souls. Theology loses membership when it becomes too secular or too logical.
In this book, the authors examined the system of the US churches and how they attrac...