Contemporary American Religion: An Ethnographic Reader

By Penny Edgell

Book Description

Contemporary American Religion offers readers a fascinating window into the diverse spiritual landscape of modern America through the eyes of emerging scholars who have immersed themselves directly in religious communities. This collection presents carefully crafted ethnographic studies that reveal the authentic experiences of believers across a remarkable spectrum of faith traditions and practices.

Rather than observing from a distance, the researchers featured in this volume have participated in the daily rhythms of religious life, documenting how contemporary Americans express their spirituality in unexpected and evolving ways. The studies span from Messianic Jewish communities to evangelical feminist groups, capturing the complexity of how ancient traditions adapt to modern circumstances.

What makes this exploration particularly valuable is its commitment to understanding religious communities from within, using ethnographic methods that prioritize lived experience over abstract theory. The collection illuminates how faith communities navigate contemporary challenges while maintaining their spiritual core, offering readers insights into the dynamic nature of American religious expression.

For anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of spiritual life in America today, this book provides an authentic glimpse into how diverse communities create meaning, build fellowship, and practice their beliefs. The scholarly approach ensures depth while remaining accessible to readers curious about the many ways Americans pursue their spiritual journeys in the twenty-first century.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)

📄 Length: 272 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore Religious life and customs
✓ Explore SOCIAL SCIENCE
✓ Explore Vie religieuse
✓ Explore Church history
✓ Explore Sociology of Religion
✓ Explore Histoire religieuse
✓ Explore Godsdienstigheid
✓ Explore Godsdiensten

Topics Covered

Religious life and customs SOCIAL SCIENCE Vie religieuse Church history Sociology of Religion Histoire religieuse Godsdienstigheid Godsdiensten Religion Cas, Études de United states, religion, 20th century Case studies