Research Catalog

After the baby boomers : how twenty- and thirty-somethings are shaping the future of American religion

Title

After the baby boomers : how twenty- and thirty-somethings are shaping the future of American religion / Robert Wuthnow.

Author

Wuthnow, Robert.

Publication

Princeton : Princeton University Press, c2007.

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Status	Format	Access	Call Number	Item Location
Request for On-site Use Request Scan Available - Can be used on site. Please visit New York Public Library - Schwarzman Building to submit a request in person.	Text	Use in library	JFE 07-6087	Schwarzman Building - Main Reading Room 315

Details

Description

xviii, 298 p. : ill., maps; 25 cm.

Summary

"Much has been written about the profound impact the post-World War II baby boomers had on American religion. But the lifestyles and beliefs of the generation that has followed--and the influence these younger Americans in their twenties and thirties are having on the face of religion--are not so well understood. It is this next wave of post-boomers that Robert Wuthnow examines in this illuminating book. What are their churchgoing habits and spiritual interests and needs? How does their faith affect their families, their communities, and their politics? Interpreting new evidence from scores of in-depth interviews and surveys, Wuthnow reveals a generation of younger adults who, unlike the baby boomers that preceded them, are taking their time establishing themselves in careers, getting married, starting families of their own, and settling down--resulting in an estimated six million fewer regular churchgoers. He shows how the recent growth in evangelicalism is tapering off, and traces how biblical literalism, while still popular, is becoming less dogmatic and more preoccupied with practical guidance. At the same time, Wuthnow explains how conflicts between religious liberals and conservatives continue--including among new immigrant groups such as Hispanics and Asians--and how in the absence of institutional support many post-boomers have taken a more individualistic, improvised approach to spirituality. Wuthnow's fascinating analysis also explores the impacts of the Internet and so-called virtual churches, and the appeal of megachurches."--Jacket.

Subjects

Bibliography (note)

Includes bibliographical references (p. [279]-292) and index.

Contents

American religion : an uncertain future -- The changing life worlds of young adults : seven key trends -- Going to church--or not : who participates in congregations? -- The major faith communities : thinking beyond winners and losers -- The Bible tells me so (I think) : recent trends in religious beliefs -- Spirituality and spiritual practices : the role of faith in personal life -- Faith and family : facing the difficult choices -- The divided generation : religion and public life -- Emerging trends : immigration and ethnic diversity -- The virtual church : religious uses of the Internet -- Vital congregations : youthful and diverse.

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