Overview

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.

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9781498548397

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Reviews

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. -- Darren Sherkat, SIU Carbondale

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. -- Darren Sherkat, SIU Carbondale Hawley has done American Christianity a major service by writing this book. From parish pastors to denominational leaders, all need to comprehend the underlying demographic factors that have contributed to declining numbers in both mainline and evangelical denominations. But Hawley goes beyond mere head counting—tying in cultural trends, the changing makeup of the family, and other insights from his work as a political scientist. We Christians operate under the Lord's care and approach the future with confidence in His providence. But that doesn't mean we can ignore the trends unfolding before our eyes. Any Christian interested in faithfully charting a course for his parish or denomination under the Lord's care into a challenging future will benefit from reading Hawley's work. -- H. R. Curtis, Coordinator for Stewardship, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

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. -- Darren Sherkat, SIU Carbondale Hawley has done American Christianity a major service by writing this book. From parish pastors to denominational leaders, all need to comprehend the underlying demographic factors that have contributed to declining numbers in both mainline and evangelical denominations. But Hawley goes beyond mere head counting-tying in cultural trends, the changing makeup of the family, and other insights from his work as a political scientist. We Christians operate under the Lord's care and approach the future with confidence in His providence. But that doesn't mean we can ignore the trends unfolding before our eyes. Any Christian interested in faithfully charting a course for his parish or denomination under the Lord's care into a challenging future will benefit from reading Hawley's work. -- H. R. Curtis, Coordinator for Stewardship, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod The demography of religion has received few book-length treatments, and this volume provides a worthwhile addition as both a wide-ranging introduction to the demography of Christian America, but also as a convincing case for the importance of declining fertility and the weakening of the traditional family for denominational losses. * Review of Religious Research *

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. -- Darren Sherkat, SIU Carbondale Hawley has done American Christianity a major service by writing this book. From parish pastors to denominational leaders, all need to comprehend the underlying demographic factors that have contributed to declining numbers in both mainline and evangelical denominations. But Hawley goes beyond mere head counting-tying in cultural trends, the changing makeup of the family, and other insights from his work as a political scientist. We Christians operate under the Lord's care and approach the future with confidence in His providence. But that doesn't mean we can ignore the trends unfolding before our eyes. Any Christian interested in faithfully charting a course for his parish or denomination under the Lord's care into a challenging future will benefit from reading Hawley's work. -- H. R. Curtis, Coordinator for Stewardship, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Author Information

George Hawley is assistant professor of political science at the University of Alabama.

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