Annotation Nationally-known sociologist Robert Wuthnow studies the relationship between art and American religion, documenting the strong, positive relationship between participation in the arts and the burgeoning interest in spiritual growth.
Exploring the intricate dynamics of America's unspoken culture, Robert Wuthnow examines how recent immigrants assimilate deeply ingrained societal assumptions. Through their experiences, he reveals that what appears to be a success narrative often conceals significant, unresolved challenges. This dual perspective prompts readers to reconsider the implications of these cultural myths on the broader societal landscape. Wuthnow's insights are relevant for scholars and general readers alike, making it a crucial read for those interested in understanding contemporary societal issues.
Exploring over 150 years of interwoven themes of religion, race, politics, and social change, this comprehensive analysis reveals Texas's profound impact beyond its borders. Robert Wuthnow's meticulous account delves into the complexities of Texan identity, challenging the notion of Texas as an isolated entity. His work highlights how the state's unique experiences reflect broader national trends, making it an essential read for understanding both Texas and its significance in American history.
Recovering the American Dream through the Moral Dimension of Work, Business, and Money
The book explores the decline of the American Dream, emphasizing that its moral foundations have been neglected rather than solely focusing on economic challenges. Wuthnow delves into the struggles families face in balancing work and personal life amid consumerism, highlighting a collective sense of unfulfilled aspirations. He draws inspiration from historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, advocating for a return to values that prioritize family, community, and a meaningful approach to work, suggesting that these principles can guide contemporary economic practices.
A vivid and moving portrait of America's farm families Farming is essential to the American economy and our daily lives, yet few of us have much contact with farmers except through the food we eat. Who are America's farmers? Why is farming important to them? How are they coping with dramatic changes to their way of life? In the Blood paints a vivid and moving portrait of America’s farm families, shedding new light on their beliefs, values, and complicated relationship with the land. Drawing on more than two hundred in-depth interviews, Robert Wuthnow presents farmers in their own voices as they speak candidly about their family traditions, aspirations for their children, business arrangements, and conflicts with family members. They describe their changing relationships with neighbors, their shifting views about religion, and the subtle ways they defend their personal independence. Wuthnow shares the stories of farmers who operate dairies, raise livestock, and grow our fruit and vegetables. We hear from corn and soybean farmers, wheat-belt farmers, and cotton growers. We gain new insights into how farmers assign meaning to the land, and how they grapple with the increasingly difficult challenges of biotechnology and global markets. In the Blood reveals how, despite profound changes in modern agriculture, farming remains an enduring commitment that runs deeply in the veins of today’s farm families.
The book explores the growing presence of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other non-Western religions in the United States, challenging the perception of the country as solely a Christian society. It examines the complexities of adapting to this new diversity, questioning whether Americans truly respect and understand these faiths or merely pay lip service to them. The author prompts readers to consider the efforts needed to foster genuine religious pluralism and the challenges that come with it.
Offering a distinctive perspective on the religious beliefs and practices of everyday Americans, the book delves into the complexities of their spiritual lives. Through insightful analysis, it reveals how personal experiences and cultural influences shape individual faith, highlighting the diverse expressions of belief in contemporary society.
The book explores the rise of small group movements in America, highlighting how these gatherings are becoming a vital source of community for millions seeking connection. Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow examines the significance of these groups, suggesting they play a crucial role in addressing social isolation and fostering relationships among individuals in contemporary society.
How Twenty- and Thirty-Somethings Are Shaping the Future of American Religion
Focusing on the generation following the baby boomers, Robert Wuthnow explores the lifestyles and beliefs of younger Americans in their twenties and thirties. This examination sheds light on their influence on contemporary American religion, revealing how this next wave is shaping spiritual landscapes and practices. The book highlights the nuances of their faith and the distinctive ways they engage with religious traditions, offering a deeper understanding of this emerging demographic's impact on society.
The establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in 2001 initiated a significant shift in social program management, transferring responsibilities from government to religious organizations. This move, rooted in ideas from the Clinton era, sparked a contentious national debate regarding the effectiveness and accountability of these organizations, as well as the ethical implications of funding them with taxpayer dollars. The book explores these complex questions and the lack of definitive answers surrounding the initiative.