Sacro-Egoism
The Rise of Religious Individualism in the West
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2016
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Publisher's Description
Sacro-Egoism: The Rise of Religious Individualism in the West discusses the relationship between secularization, participation in religious practices and belief, and the emergence of radical individualized expressions of faith in the West. Using McMinnville, Oregon, as a case study, it presents the data collected and analyzed from several churches, denominations, and spiritual settings in that unassuming town, and compares it to the results of Heelas and Woodhead's "Spiritual Revolution" project, arriving at a provocative conclusion. Rather than abandoning Christianity for alternative spirituality practices, McMinnville citizens still feel strongly about their Christian faith, taking their spiritual walk to a more personal level than ever before in church history. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research, along with personal stories of faith and exploration from McMinnville residents themselves, Sacro-Egoism: The Rise of Religious Individualism in the West tells a story of radical individualists who have become the highest religious authority in their lives--even over the church, the Bible, and traditional Christian society.
Endorsements (6)
“This book is a must-read for all sociologists of religion. John Knox's theorization of Sacro-Egoism adds another dimension to the secularization debate and in particular offers an all-important lens on the nature of religiosity in the USA.”
“Dr. John Knox's study to see the socio-philosophical axioms underpinning the current milieu of Christianity, specifically in our region of the Northwest, reveals just how much the post-enlightenment of self, or ego, has permeated our churches. His review of the many states of the Church serves as a gut-check for the individual Christian, as well as Christian institutions in general.”
“Dr. Knox's strong background in Church History, Biblical Studies, and his love for the Church has produced an excellent treatise of the Rise of Individualism and its impact on church practices.”
“Dr. Knox thoughtfully exposes a cultural value that's fracturing the impact of the missional church in our western society. As a pastor, I've observed that those who stay engaged with others, even when it's difficult, are the ones who grow in their identity in Christ and their love for others. Radical individualism undermines community, which is a significant aspect of God's redemptive plan.”
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