A Generation of Seekers: The Spiritual Journeys of the Baby Boom Generation

by Wade Clark Roof

A study of the baby boom generation's search for meaning and values presents portraits that reveal the soul of the new generation of leaders in politics, business, and education

Genres: Sociology, Spirituality, Religion

294 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1993

Reviews

[Susie Meister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following from the model of Bellah's Habits of the Heart, Roof explores Boomer religiosity by focusing on a few people who represent themes. Roof demonstrates how the changing times (e.g. war, birth control) of the 1960s inspired a generation of seekers. While they were born in a time of affluence and limitless expectations, Boomers felt the sting of reality after finishing college and having to take lower salaries than they were expecting. They were also the first generation to grow up with television and therefore gave primacy to experience and image rather than the word. They sought to find their own path in the midst of religious pluralism. Boomers value a worship experience with vitality. Roof describes how many Boomers were disillusioned by religion's effect (or lack their of) on civil rights and other political/social issues. He argues that this led them to a focus on spirituality (and looking inward) instead of religion (and looking to organizations). Roof believes there are four patterns of change: reemergence of spirituality, religious pluralism, multilayered belief, and transformed selves. In conclusion Roof believes Boomers will help create/define new religious communities.

[Mia Williams]

*read for my degree so no rating

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

great overview of Boomer Evangelicalism