The Next American Spirituality - Hardcover

Gallup Jr., George

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0781433169 ISBN 13: 9780781433167

Publisher: David C. Cook, 2002

Synopsis

On the edge of a new millennium, America's leading pollster and a committed believer himself digs into our resurgent hunger for God and what it signifies; then turns his gaze toward what the future may hold. Based on a twenty-four-hour survey of our spiritual habits, this book is rich with revealing glimpses of real Americans, young and old, male and female, racially diverse, churchgoers and not. The findings hold life-shaking potential for anyone who has wondered what to expect on the religious landscape in years to come.

· Groundbreaking analysis of "the faith factor" in America

· Paints a vivid picture of where our nation stands in its faith

· Gives practical ideas for families and churches

· A must-read for pastors, parents, teachers, leaders, and other people of influence

"Few people know the spiritual profile of America better than George Gallup, Jr. In this book written with Timothy Jones, Gallup reveals the spiritual challenges facing Christians in the new century. It is information vital to the church if we are to properly and powerfully challenge new heresies and take advantage of new opportunities to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
--Cal Thomas, Syndicated columnist

"Speculation about the future without prophetic credentials is an occupation fraught with danger. While such volumes abound, only occasionally does a volume like The Next American Spirituality by George Gallup, Jr. and Timothy Jones arrive on my desk. More than a mere survey, this volume probes the depths of the American scene and forecasts with what I believe to be remarkable accuracy the spiritual landscape for the twenty-first century. This is one book every pastor serious about growing a great church must read."
--Paige Patterson, President, Southern Baptist Convention

 

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

George Gallup Jr. uses data from his famous polls to analyze the condition and future of spirituality in America, particularly in terms of evangelical Christianity. Gallup quizzes respondents in some detail about what religious activities (prayer, religiously motivated charitable work, Bible study, etc.) they participated in within the previous twenty-four hours. Gallup uses the polling statistics to consider potential benefits and dangers of current trends. For example, he concludes that widespread spiritual searching provides opportunities for Christians to present their faith, but a tendency to adopt a "salad bar" attitude toward religious practices weakens orthodoxy. Gallup discovers that although most Christians pray and use the Bible for devotions, there is widespread biblical and theological illiteracy. Gallup is tentative about projecting into the future but does advise churches to overtly emphasize Bible stories. Several thought-provoking chapters address Christians' efforts in the areas of serving the needy, developing spirituality and reaching out evangelistically. Another chapter discusses some demographic groups of Christians with special potential to influence society: African-American churches, young people and the "pre-retired." Given the weight of opinion polls in public debate, Gallup's figures and analyses are worthwhile reading for Christians and those who observe the American religious scene. (Feb.)

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: David C. Cook
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0781433169
• ISBN 13: 9780781433167
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 205