Demography, Culture, and the Decline of Americas Christian Denominations
By (author) George Hawley
Publication date:
31 May 2017Length of book:
238 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksISBN-13: 9781498548397
This 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 Americans—including American Christians—are 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 family norms.
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 family norms.
Hawley 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.