Congregations in Conflict: Cultural Models of Local Religious Life

Becker, Penny Edgell

ISBN 10: 0521594626 / ISBN 13: 9780521594622

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1999

This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear . This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear . Seller Inventory # mon0003468463

Synopsis:

Congregations in Conflict examines the nature of American congregations as institutions, looking in particular at how they deal with conflict within their ranks, to gain insight into religious culture, or the moral order of local religious life. In detailed and well documented case studies of conflict in twenty-three congregations Becker examines such factors as organizational processes, the extent and types of ties between church members, their shared understandings about mission and identity, and level of public commitment. From these factors, the author develops four models of local religious cultures, each of which emphasizes different aspects of the mission imperatives that broadly characterize American religion - to reproduce an historic faith, to provide a caring community of believers, and to witness. Becker finds vital 'public religion': congregations that provide caring and support for members, service to the local community, and important arenas for moral debate and public activism.

From the Back Cover: There are more than 300,000 religious congregations in the United States; these communities have more members and generate more participation than any other set of voluntary organizations in American society. This picture of dynamism belies recent, prevailing scholarship that perceives a decline in traditional religious authority, in Americans' commitment to organized religion, and in religious institutions' level of public engagement. Penny Edgell Becker, in this pioneering comparative study of local congregations, argues that the case for declinein community, in commitment, in public engagement - does not stand up to closer scrutiny. Congregations in Conflict: Cultural Models of Local Religious Life examines the nature of American congregations as institutions, looking in particular at how they deal with conflict within their ranks, to gain insight into religious culture, or the moral order of local religious life.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Congregations in Conflict: Cultural Models ...
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Date: 1999
Binding: paperback
Condition: Good