Publishers Weekly
★ 09/12/2022
Smietana (The Breath of Life), a reporter for Religion News Service, delivers a superb examination of the future of Christian institutions. He suggests that the pan-denominational decline in church membership that began in the 1960s is the result of white churches’ reluctance to diversify as the population of nonwhite Americans grows. The author also points to the pandemic, noting that “most congregations saw worship attendance drop by at least 10 percent.” Digging into how cultural changes have depressed church affiliation, Smietana suggests that the corrosion of trust in institutional authority, the rise of megachurches, and increasing political polarization have all contributed. He explores how churches are adapting and what the future of organized religion might look like, telling the story of an aging, predominantly white church that merged with a nearby “youthful, multiethnic congregation,” allowing both to benefit from the former’s facilities and the latter’s knack for connecting with younger congregants. Such anecdotes offer a vivid look into the state of organized Christianity, and the author’s perceptive analysis reflects his decades of reporting on the “Godbeat.” This is a must-read for anyone invested in the fate of the American church. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"Disruption describes our times, and the church is not immune. Most of us can't recall in our lifetime a season with more disruption in the local church than now. How did we get here? Where do we go from here? These are questions I am asked constantly. Reporter Bob Smietana helps us with this important book. He describes the issues facing the church today with the precision of a journalist yet without trying to advocate for an outcome. If you want to understand how we got to the place we are and gain valuable information on how to move forward, you will want to read this book."—Ed Stetzer, Wheaton College
“Religion in the United States is changing dramatically, and veteran religion reporter Bob Smietana skillfully helps us navigate how we got here—and where we are headed. Using interviews, research data and other journalistic tools, he shows us how communities are dealing with America's reshaped religious landscape. Through a reporter's lens, he takes us on an illuminating journey to show us in detail how people of faith are finding new ways to imagine what religion can look like in a more diverse, pluralistic culture.”—Sarah Pulliam Bailey, religion reporter for the Washington Post
“Telling rich stories about people and communities across a vast religious spectrum, Smietana delivers his insights on reimagining American Christianity and organized religion more broadly.”—Library Journal
"What’s clear—from Smietana’s perspective—is that previous versions of church, especially 'white' church, won’t serve what Pew Research calls the increasingly diverse and pluralistic 'next America'"—The Gospel Coalition
"Bob Smietana is one of the most well-respected journalists covering American religion. That reputation comes from decades of steady, unbiased, and truthful reporting about the subject that he loves. That passion and skill comes through clearly in Reorganized Religion. Drawing on his extensive networks of scholars, activists, and faith practitioners, this book stands a testament to where religion is and where it will be in the near future. This book serves as an authoritative work on the economic, political, social, and spiritual implications when churches close their doors across the United States." —Ryan Burge, professor of political science, author of The Nones
Library Journal
05/01/2022
Award-winning religion reporter Smietana analyzes the state of American Christianity, looking particularly at reasons for churches' shrinking populations. Beyond marking the decline of U.S. churches, Smietana also looks at trends that span denominations and faiths (including the rise of the "nones," people who have abandoned organized religion altogether). Some of his insights barely require mention (e.g., political and social polarization), but more intriguing is Smietana's contention that megachurches have, paradoxically, sped the decline of church congregations by making it easy for Christians to disengage and drop out. Besides the tendency of megachurches to rise or fall around a single leader, they hollow out middle-tier congregations, leaving churches that are too small to minister as they once had. While Smietana voices a certain amount of skepticism that megachurches can create the communities needed for a thriving society, he holds out hope for smaller congregations that are able to find creative ways to nourish their members. VERDICT Telling rich stories about people and communities across a vast religious spectrum, Smietana delivers his insights on reimagining American Christianity and organized religion more broadly.—James Wetherbee
