American Grace is a major achievement, a groundbreaking examination of religion in America.
Unique among nations, America is deeply reli...
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Sep 28, 2011
Dave
rated it: 
Here is a comprehensive look at American Religion and what people think about various faiths, practices and about God. Authors Robert Putnam and David E Campbell are incredibly thorough in their research and presentation of the results of their far reaching surveys. They also seem very even handed and fair in their work to faith perspectives.
The book is loaded with statistics that were gathered from the aforementioned wide reaching surveys. The most fascinating part of this book is More...
The book is loaded with statistics that were gathered from the aforementioned wide reaching surveys. The most fascinating part of this book is More...
Jul 25, 2011
Merrill
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Fascinating book about what religious people are thinking of themselves, of others, of other religions and of politics with lots of charts. Written by two authors, one of the authors is LDS and a professor at Notre Dame, thus the Mormon element is not ignored.
The thesis of the book, based upon what people are thinking and doing, is: 1) as a result of the liberal sixties, more people became very conservative and religious in the late 70s-90s and now many young people are turned off by the co More...
The thesis of the book, based upon what people are thinking and doing, is: 1) as a result of the liberal sixties, more people became very conservative and religious in the late 70s-90s and now many young people are turned off by the co More...
Mar 12, 2011
Spencer
rated it:
major sociological study full of a million charts and statistics. If it has a bias, i cant see it. endorsed by folks all over the spectrum as far as i can gather. So here are some cold facts:
Regarding Americans:
roughly-
80% are certain that there is a God
40% attend church nearly every week
30% are evangelical
25% are catholic
15% are mainline protestant
9% are black and black protestant
15% claim no denominational affiliation (this was 7% in 1990)
2% More...
Regarding Americans:
roughly-
80% are certain that there is a God
40% attend church nearly every week
30% are evangelical
25% are catholic
15% are mainline protestant
9% are black and black protestant
15% claim no denominational affiliation (this was 7% in 1990)
2% More...
Jan 02, 2011
Ross
rated it: 
I recently read Huch Heclo's Christianity and American Democracy, which is better that Putnam and Campbell's book as an examination of the relationship between Christianity and political life in America. And you should know that although Putnam and Campbell talk about "religion," they actually almost always mean "Christianity," and Protestantism in particular (see pp. 30-31 for their recognition of this point). They do use some non-Christian religious examples, but not many.
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Dec 28, 2010
Off this review: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...
In his seminal book "Bowling Alone" (2000), Putnam focused the country's attention on its deteriorating community life. "American Grace" will probably spark similarly fierce debates. It has already commanded attention from some evangelical leaders, who have sounded the alarm about growing secularism. Yet the book seeks to tamp down the culture wars (its conclusions are expressed in the most non-inflammatory More...
In his seminal book "Bowling Alone" (2000), Putnam focused the country's attention on its deteriorating community life. "American Grace" will probably spark similarly fierce debates. It has already commanded attention from some evangelical leaders, who have sounded the alarm about growing secularism. Yet the book seeks to tamp down the culture wars (its conclusions are expressed in the most non-inflammatory More...
May 30, 2011
Jennifer (JC-S)
rated it:
‘America manages to be both religiously diverse and religiously devout because it’s difficult to damn those you know and love.’
This book, by Professors Robert D Putnam and David E Campbell, presents a comprehensive study of religious beliefs and practices in the USA, and provides a detailed overview of an important aspect of American culture. Data was collected as part of a two-step interview survey (Faith Matters 2006, 2007)) which involved more than 3000 respondents across the USA. More...
This book, by Professors Robert D Putnam and David E Campbell, presents a comprehensive study of religious beliefs and practices in the USA, and provides a detailed overview of an important aspect of American culture. Data was collected as part of a two-step interview survey (Faith Matters 2006, 2007)) which involved more than 3000 respondents across the USA. More...
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Feb 15, 2011
Kristin
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I had to check it out twice and devote a lot of time to reading it -- it's quite the thick tome of research -- but I did come away with a much better understanding of the different religions in America, which is something I had always felt I was lacking. I appreciated a lot, or course, that their main study included Mormons as a separate subgroup so I could get a sense of how we compare in all these measures. Mainly, though, I got a sense of the vigor and struggles of the American religious gr
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Aug 13, 2011
Sophia
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American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us offers a comprehensive look at the American religious landscape from mid-20th century onwards. Putnam and Campbell base most of the chapters on the statistical analysis of their Faith Matters surveys from 2006 and 2007 as well as other broad nation-wide surveys. Intending to reach a lay audience without a statistical background, their writing becomes long-winded at times to preserve precision and provide alternate ways to phrase the findings. Ea
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Sep 01, 2011
Tanya
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I requested American Grace from the library because it was repeatedly footnoted in Elder Quentin Cook's talk from the April 2011 LDS General Conference, and I wanted to know more about what it said. This lengthy tome discusses the findings of the authors' 2006 and 2007 "Faith Matters" survey, a massive study of religious, political, and civic attitudes and behaviors of Americans across the faith spectrum. Interspersed with the statistical analysis (and plenty of charts and graphs) we
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Jan 21, 2011
Nick
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Having been a big fan of Putnam's "Bowling Alone", I have to say that I was not that impressed with "American Grace". For one thing, it is incredibly long (550 pages), and its conclusions are mildly interesting at best (to me). BA addressed issues that I hadn't thought about too much, whereas AG addresses things that are all over the media all the time. It's true that the authors turn up some findings that contradict the conventional wisdom, but they don't make for the incred
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Feb 01, 2012
I'm actually re-opening this book. I had started to read it a while back because it was the subject of something my "PostSeminary Applied Learning and Support" group was discussing - I bought the whole book although a chapter is all we really needed. Then I got invited to speak at a conference where David E. Campbell is going to be speaking as well - so I figured it would be a good time to open it again...maybe I can get his autograph at this conference.
Of what I've alrea More...
Of what I've alrea More...
Aug 10, 2011
American Grace is a fascinating survey of the American religious landscape, covering how religion interacts with politics, race and ethnicity, marriage and family life, community engagement, and more. Although I consider myself fairly well-informed about religion in contemporary America, I still encountered information that was new or surprising to me. The authors support their analysis with extensive survey data, and the writing style strikes a good balance between communicating clearly to th
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Jul 28, 2011
This one took a couple months to finish - it's not a page turner, but I'm very glad to have read it. If you liked Robert Putnam's earlier book about social capital, Bowling Alone, you'll find this one of interest. Using huge data sets and in-depth statistical analysis, Putnam and Campbell describe the state of religion in America over the past 5-6 decades. The statistical chapters are interspersed with 'vignettes' - case studies of a dozen real congregations in the United States. The authors
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Nov 12, 2010
Bob
rated it:
This is a very interesting book by a social scientist that examines the state of religion, primarily Christianity. It overflows with information that is useful and insightful. For instance the marriage between Evangelical Christianity and the Republican Party is likely to lose steam in the next few years despite the recent election. This is because the two issues that unite these groups, same sex marriage and abortion, will be viewed completely differently when the emerging generation takes o
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Feb 02, 2011
Tiffany
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I heard an interview on NPR featuring the authors just before Christmas. The authors noted some fascinating facts about religiosity in America.
For example, the most religious groups in America are: LDS, Black Protestants, and Evangelicals.
Today, many Americans choose religion based on how it jibes with their politics--vs. choosing politics based on how it jibes with their religion. Religious lines in America are very fluid.
The divides between the religious and no More...
For example, the most religious groups in America are: LDS, Black Protestants, and Evangelicals.
Today, many Americans choose religion based on how it jibes with their politics--vs. choosing politics based on how it jibes with their religion. Religious lines in America are very fluid.
The divides between the religious and no More...
Oct 22, 2011
KC
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Quality non-fiction books tend to assume one of two forms: an engaging, qualitative study with vivid anecdotes and accessible prose, or a technically superb but fairly dry quantitative study with good methodology and compelling findings. This book manages to blend the strengths of both approaches with spectacular results. Rarely have I come across a book that was so empirically based yet so riveting and surprising. It challenged some of my core beliefs about American religious life and backed it
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Aug 22, 2011
Barbara
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This is a book that I highly recommend!!! I first heard about it when I heard one of the authors, David Campbell, being interviewed on a TV show and his comments piqued my interest. I didn't know until I started reading the book that David Campbell is LDS which was interesting to me. Then I have also really liked others works (such as Bowling Alone) by the other author, Robert Putnam. This book has definitely influenced how I view religiosity as well as causing me to do some personal soul-se
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Apr 28, 2011
Emily
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Finally! I'm done!! After renewing the book five times (with two separate checkouts) I have finally read the last page!
It's a bit on the long side. But in its favor, the print is not miniscule and there are plenty of graphs and charts (some a bit more obtuse than others) that take up considerable space, too.
American Grace provides some fascinating insights into religious life in the United States over the past seventy or so years. Putnam and Campbell trace the "s More...
It's a bit on the long side. But in its favor, the print is not miniscule and there are plenty of graphs and charts (some a bit more obtuse than others) that take up considerable space, too.
American Grace provides some fascinating insights into religious life in the United States over the past seventy or so years. Putnam and Campbell trace the "s More...
Feb 16, 2011
Wade
rated it:
Robert Putnam and David Campbell present data analysis from their own comprehensive research to paint a detailed picture of religion in America, I really enjoyed their examination. They address a variety of measures to paint this picture including history, politics, public & private religiosity, literal versus metaphorical interpretation of scripture, civic involvement, charitable contributions, etc. The authors also intersperse throughout the book a number of qualitative case studies from ind
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Aug 17, 2011
Jhfrancis01
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This book was enthralling. I found the authors' research to be intriguing, irritating, enlightening and not without a glimmer of hope for the future. As they admit, there is something here to piss off everyone regardless of religious ideology. Ultimately it is a fascinating look at religion in America and its role in politics. Be prepared - if you have a very strong belief that your religion is "right" and that other views are wrong, chances are you will find yourself railing at t
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May 03, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
A wonderfully researched book with all kinds of facts, figures and charts. It does not feel biased toward certain conclusions, and the conclusions seem logical and believable given the statistics. I ended up skimming through a lot of it because it is thick and scholarly - although very readable. I liked the vignettes - glimpses into beliefs and lifestyles of a variety of belief systems. I wouldn't mind buying my own copy to be able to reference when specific topics come up - a good resource
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Jan 07, 2012
M.
rated it:
This data-filled and thought-provoking book is best read in small chunks, then thoroughly digested, rather than downed in a few sittings. It explores whether faith affects politics in our country as well as the changing face of U.S. religion.
Some interesting takeaways: At the end of WWII, American churchgoers occupying the pews of most churches were as likely to be Democrats as Republicans. The “religiosity” (religious fervor) of Americans today is higher than that of people in other More...
Some interesting takeaways: At the end of WWII, American churchgoers occupying the pews of most churches were as likely to be Democrats as Republicans. The “religiosity” (religious fervor) of Americans today is higher than that of people in other More...
Apr 20, 2011
Luke
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This book offers a thorough survey analysis on American religiosity and its impact on political thinking, involvement in the community, minority and women's rights, diversity, etc. overtime in the United States. In addition to the analysis I especially appreciated the vignettes of different religious worship services that are shared throughout the book.
My favorite survey from the book was on which religions feel most warmly towards which other religions (between evangelical, mainlin More...
My favorite survey from the book was on which religions feel most warmly towards which other religions (between evangelical, mainlin More...
Apr 25, 2011
Rachelle
rated it:
I didn't really read this book. It was WAY too huge. But I read several chapters and found some really interesting information about religions in America. I enjoyed learning more about the religions of my neighbors and friends. Mormons were discussed thoroughly as well, which was interesting to me to learn how we were portrayed and understood. I thought it was well done and at least my faith was fairly discussed. One of the authors is Mormon, so that probably helped.
Feb 21, 2011
Kevin
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A fascinating and informative look at religious life in America. If you are a stats/data geek this is heaven - charts galore - but they have weaved the data into a compelling narrative. And church vignette chapters break it up and provide some more personalized examples.
There are some interpretations that are arguable, and the authors pretty clearly come from a liberal perspective, but it is still a remarkably interesting read for anyone interested in the history of religion and the de More...
There are some interpretations that are arguable, and the authors pretty clearly come from a liberal perspective, but it is still a remarkably interesting read for anyone interested in the history of religion and the de More...
Dec 22, 2010
Robert
rated it:
This is a beautifully written and compelling examination of the role religion plays in society. If you're clergy you must read this. If you're a leader in a faith community you'll want to read this book.
It tells why we seem religious, are religious, and maybe not so religious all at the same time. Things are complex, and their look at the data help us make heads and tails of it all!
My top book of 2010.
It tells why we seem religious, are religious, and maybe not so religious all at the same time. Things are complex, and their look at the data help us make heads and tails of it all!
My top book of 2010.
Dec 21, 2010
Becky
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This was a very LONG non-fiction book about a study of many aspects or religion in America. It had several chapters with much data from the study that I had to skim due to time constraints, and these alternated with some chapters with "vignettes" of different religions. The vignette chapters were fascinating and the summaries had some interesting insights. A condensed version would habe been great!
May 11, 2011
Gordon
rated it: 
A comprehensive and sometimes exhausting sociological study of religion in the United States. Interesting vignettes of several congregations in the U.S. are a small part of this book. The rest is mostly discussion and interpretation of survey data, some parts of it more interesting and understandable than others. Unless you are a sociology junkie this book could have been about half as long.
Dec 19, 2010
Anna
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I enjoyed this book which analzyed the different religions in American culture and their impact. I especially liked the last chapter which emphasized how diversity with tolerance brings greater strength. The book has an academic focus, so if you don't like reading about analyzed statistics, there are some chapters with vignettes about different religions that I also found interesting.
Nov 04, 2010
Terry
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http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...
I am not disclosing whether I read every word, or even got past chapter 3. Still, this was very engaging if you are interesting in studies of comparative religion. The statistics in the early chapters was revealing.
These authors feel as I do that there is so much more that unites us than divides us. Though religious conviction can polarize, we have some very important work to do together, such as the LDS (Mormon) Church does around t More...
I am not disclosing whether I read every word, or even got past chapter 3. Still, this was very engaging if you are interesting in studies of comparative religion. The statistics in the early chapters was revealing.
These authors feel as I do that there is so much more that unites us than divides us. Though religious conviction can polarize, we have some very important work to do together, such as the LDS (Mormon) Church does around t More...
