Synopses & Reviews
The United States is one of the most highly educated societies on earth, and also one of the most religious. In
The God Problem, Robert Wuthnow examines how middle class Americans juggle the seemingly paradoxical relationship between faith and reason.
Based on exceptionally rich and candid interviews with approximately two hundred people from various faiths, this book dispels the most common explanations: that Americans are adept at keeping religion and intellect separate, or that they are a nation of and#147;joiners." Instead, Wuthnow argues, we do thisand#151;not by coming up with rational proofs for the existence of Godand#151;but by adopting subtle usages of language that keep us from making unreasonable claims about God. In an illuminating narrative that reveals the complex negotiations many undertake in order to be religious in the modern world, Wuthnow probes the ways of talking that occur in prayers, in discussions about God, in views of heaven, in understandings of natural catastrophes and personal tragedies, and in attempts to reconcile faith with science.
Review
and#8220;Offers an important counterbalance to the overly simplistic atheistic challenges of Richard Dawkins and company.and#8221;
Review
"A important book."--Christian Century
Review
“A important book.” Jerome P. Baggett
Review
and#8220;A important book.and#8221;
Review
"Wuthnow writes in an accessible manner that challenges the reader to consider how Americans make sense of God. . . . Wuthnow provides insightful and challenging research that is useful in understanding the unique paradox of American religious adherence and a commitment to reason as a matter of faith. This books serves both as a revelation of the complex rhetorical negotiation that maintains this paradox, but also provides insight into how people of faith may understand the tension that exists in their own congregations and the greater community they seek to serve."
Synopsis
and#147;With his keen eye for spotting insights in data, Wuthnow presents a wonderful study of the mental maps people use to be religious in the modern world. As usual, he has identified something that we all think about obliquely and tackled it head on.
The God Problem is a huge achievement.and#8221;and#151;John H. Evans, Department of Sociology, University of California, San Diego
and#147;In The God Problem, Wuthnow sheds new light on the American debate over religious belief versus non-belief. Wuthnowand#8217;s insight offers a nuanced portrayal of the religious situation in our time. This is a significant and insightful book.and#8221; and#151;Wade Clark Roof, J.F. Rowny Professor of Religion and Society, University of California, Santa Barbara
Synopsis
With his keen eye for spotting insights in data, Wuthnow presents a wonderful study of the mental maps people use to be religious in the modern world. As usual, he has identified something that we all think about obliquely and tackled it head on.
The God Problem is a huge achievement.”John H. Evans, Department of Sociology, University of California, San Diego
In The God Problem, Wuthnow sheds new light on the American debate over religious belief versus non-belief. Wuthnows insight offers a nuanced portrayal of the religious situation in our time. This is a significant and insightful book.” Wade Clark Roof, J.F. Rowny Professor of Religion and Society, University of California, Santa Barbara
About the Author
Robert Wuthnow is Gerhard R. Andlinger Professor of Sociology at Princeton University and Director of the Princeton University Center for the Study of Religion. Among his books are After Heaven: Spirituality in America Since the 1950s and Boundless Faith: The Global Outreach of American Churches, both from UC Press.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
One. Dangerous Dogma
Two. Talking to God
Three. Big Scary Catastrophes
Four. Heaven Is a Wonderful Place
Five. Jesus Sets You Free
Six. Billions of Galaxies
Seven. Conclusion: Donand#8217;t Be Spooky or Weird
Appendix
Selected Bibliography
Index