Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith Contributor(s): Bass, Diana Butler (Author) |
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ISBN: 0060859490 ISBN-13: 9780060859497 Publisher: HarperOne OUR PRICE: $16.19 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: October 2007 Annotation: Named one of "Publishers Weeklys" Best Religion Books of 2006, this firsthand account explores the grassroots phenomenon of church life today, showing how neighborhood churches are not only surviving but thriving. |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Christianity - Denominations - Religion | Christianity - History - Religion | Biblical Studies - Bible Study Guides |
Dewey: 280.409 |
Physical Information: 0.82" H x 5.44" W x 8" (0.56 lbs) 336 pages |
Themes: - Religious Orientation - Christian - Theometrics - Mainline - Theometrics - Evangelical |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: For decades the accepted wisdom has been that America's mainline Protestant churches are in decline, eclipsed by evangelical mega-churches. Church and religion expert Diana Butler Bass wondered if this was true, and this book is the result of her extensive, three-year study of centrist and progressive churches across the country. Her surprising findings reveal just the opposite--that many of the churches are flourishing, and they are doing so without resorting to mimicking the mega-church, evangelical style. Christianity for the Rest of Us describes this phenomenon and offers a how-to approach for Protestants eager to remain faithful to their tradition while becoming a vital spiritual community. As Butler Bass delved into the rich spiritual life of various Episcopal, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran churches, certain consistent practices--such as hospitality, contemplation, diversity, justice, discernment, and worship--emerged as core expressions of congregations seeking to rediscover authentic Christian faith and witness today. This hopeful book, which includes a study guide for groups and individuals, reveals the practical steps that leaders and laypeople alike are taking to proclaim an alternative message about an emerging Christianity that strives for greater spiritual depth and proactively engages the needs of the world. |
Contributor Bio(s): Bass, Diana Butler: - Diana Butler Bass is the author of eight books on American religion, including Christianity After Religion, Christianity for the Rest of Us, and A People's History of Christianity. She holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Duke University, has taught at the college and graduate level, and is currently an independent scholar. She was a columnist for the New York Times Syndicate, and blogs for the Huffington Post and the Washington Post on issues of religion, spirituality, and culture. Bass is a popular speaker at conferences, colleges and universities, and churches across North America. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband, daughter, and dog. Her website is dianabutlerbass.com and she can be followed on Twitter at @dianabutlerbass. |