American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us by Robert D. Putnam (PDF)

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User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Very interesting book that gives evidence to changes in Christianity I’d seen over the years. With statistics, ties to recent events of history, and a theoretical framework it goes far beyond any observations I have. I believe the book would interest many non-Christians because many people are interested in recent history and church history is inseparable from US history generally. To consider the Church sociologically does not replace devotion to Christ, but it contributes to a thoughtful and well-rounded world view, and this book helps with that. Even as Christ Himself does not change, it is good to understand how and why the USA’s religious observance has changed in recent decades. Considered four stars only because it is a few years old by now, but decided it was too good for four stars.

⭐An in-depth, statistics-laden study of US religion over the past 50 years. I found the survey data fascinating and the author’s analysis mostly plausible and always thought-provoking. The authors also complement the analysis with vignettes of a selection of diverse U.S congregations.The book discusses a huge number of issues, trends, and cross-currents. One interesting topic concerns the recent growth in the portion of Americans with no religious affiliation (sometimes referred to as the “nones”); the authors analyze this phenomenon by explaining how the sexual revolution of the 60’s led first to the rise of the religious right, and then more recently to a counter-reaction on the part of those turned off by this rise (especially younger people).Another key conclusion regards the strength of Americans’ religious tolerance in the face of our differences. The authors argue religious diversity among our extended family and friends leads to a high level of tolerance on the part of all but a small proportion of hard cases.There’s alot more here, and much that was new to me. Reading it even prompted me to take a dive into other survey data available on-line (Pew’s US Religious Landscape Survey, and the American Religious Identification Survey) as I caught the bug of learning about the details of our unique American religious stew.

⭐American Grace explores the religious landscape in America by considering shifts that have happened during the last half century, looking in detail at present beliefs and practices, and offering scholarly suggestions for what changes may mean over the next many years. The historical consideration, relying heavily on data from a variety of well known surveys like the General Social Survey, extends back some fifty years to show not only the nature but also the speed of change. The data regarding present beliefs and practices focuses on original research conducted via the Faith Matters surveys (3108 participants in 2006 then 1909 of that group in 2007). The possibilities of what changes will likely occur in the future are based on the continuation of current trends with a healthy and heavy emphasis on generational shifts.The book’s subtitle, How Religion Divides and Unites Us, provides the focus for the fifteen topical chapters. The first and last chapters offer insight into how people of varying religions and those with no religion have managed to get along together in a deeply religious nation during a time of transitions that have led to religious polarization and pluralism. Between these two are ten chapters examining specific shifts and three chapters that take readers into actual congregations for a look at how religion is experienced on the individual and congregational levels.

⭐As a starting point, I am a member of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation. Hence, I am an extremist (at least in the terms of this book – there is only one true way to heaven) with an Jeffersonian twist (I accept you for who you are and will defend your right to believe it).This book relates the empirical findings of an extensive survey (or surveys) of religion in the United States. Largely they find religiosity with tolerance. This finding is consistent with my priors. It develops the rise of the religious-right as a grouping along moral agreement – largely with regards to sexual morals. The selection then follows a rejection of religion to some extent as a rejection of those morals. This theme reappears throughout the book.As indicated by my review title, I would like to stress that this book is on the sociology of religion and not theology. In this regard I would contend that American opinion does not define the parameters of divine reality. God is or isn’t regardless of the opinions of the American public. What this text does is provide a snapshot of the American mind on these topics and how these opinions effect our interactions with each other. As such it provides important insights to those involved in congregations.I do have some irritations with regard to the text. The most significant is the juxtaposition of obedience with self-reliance. They are really not opposites. I wish my children to be both self reliant (economically and personally), but religiously obedient.

⭐This is an essential read for anyone who wants to explore institutionalized religion in America today, whether a pastor, church leader, or a member in the pews. The authors not only thoroughly explore current extant survey data on nearly every relevant aspect of organized religion, they also get “up close and personal” with several denominations through an extensive interview/observation process. The statistical analysis used was spot-on, and the presentations through graphs and charts were lucidly clear for both technical and non-technical audiences.

⭐I enjoyed Putnam’s other major work, Bowling Alone. I’m a retired paediatrician in South Africa with an interest in the social side of medicine as well as the biological and so much of modern child health is related to social issues more than biological ones. So I more or less bought this book on sight and I was not disappointed. It is a scholarly and thoughtful discussion about religion in the USA and how it affects the social and political scene. Putnam’s methodology is meticulous and his approach of examining all the results of research to look for pitfalls and for the direction of causality is impressive. X is related to Y. Does that mean that X caused Y, or Y caused X, or did Z cause both? This is in the best tradition of epidemiological research . If the title grabs you, it means that the topic is one that intrigues you – so buy it. And while you are thinking about religion, also buy Leaving Alexandria by Richard Holloway. I read these back to back – still mulling over the implications.

⭐it’s in a good shape and it’s a very good book

⭐This is an excellent sociological study of religion in America. It should be very helpful to all students of religion, and is filled with facts that will be especially interesting to clergy and other spiritual leaders.

⭐Interesting book. Bought it for a class.

⭐daughter wanted the story, it is nice hard cover with nice price

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