Losing Our Religion?
Changing Patterns of Believing and Belonging in Secular Western Societies
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2013
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Publisher's Description
Church-going in most Western societies has declined significantly in the wake of the social and cultural changes that began in the 1960s. Does this mean that people in these societies are losing any religious dimension in their lives, or is it being expressed in other forms and places? This study begins by looking at comparative data on how church-going patterns have changed in five countries--Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand--examining reasons for the decline, how churches have responded to these changes, and why some churches have shown greater resilience. It then explores some of the particular challenges these changes pose for the future of churches in these societies and some of the responses that have been made, drawing on both sociological and theological insights. The conclusion is that, despite the loss of belonging, believing persists and religion continues to play a significant role in these societies, mediated in a variety of diffuse cultural forms. Cases illustrating these changes are largely drawn from New Zealand, which as the country most recently settled by Europeans has always been "secular" and thus provides helpful insights.
Endorsements (3)
“In Losing Our Religion, Kevin Ward has raised critical questions for institutional Christianity in the West. . . . This book goes far beyond most popular attempts to tweak the practices of the institutional church with the hope of stemming the tide of decline. It asks the church to situate itself honestly within the context of the postmodern worldview, and to respond by thinking outside the box about what it means to be church.”
“The church is frequently swept along by the strong currents of contemporary culture. So more than ever, we need scholars and church leaders who won't merely ride the waves, but will rather be deeper readers of the tides. Kevin Ward is one of those all-too-rare readers of the currents that shape Christianity today. The very contours of believing and belonging, and his astute work, will repay careful reading and stimulate reflection, leading to deeper discipleship.”
“This is a compelling read, engagingly written, with brief and crisp chapters exploring many aspects. This book is not slow to advance its thesis, that religion remains strong despite the waning of religious institutions. It is replete with lively argument, skilful use of statistics, and theory explored with a light touch. I am delighted to commend it.”
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