The Churching of America, 1776-2005: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy

For years, Americans have been fed the story that religious belief in America is diminishing, as more citizens "drift away" from various churches toward secularism. The authors of this book, who examined thousands of church records and other documents from a more critical viewpoint, show this belief is false.The statistics, when evaluated objectively rather than through the typical "falling away from God" paranoia, show religious activity in the US has actually been rising since Colonial times. Data doesn't lie. While church membership was higher on paper during the Colonial period, this is only because Colonies and individual towns were managed directly through local churches. These churches collected taxes from all citizens. Therefore churches showed high "membership" rates since nearly all citizens were listed on their rolls. Anyone who paid taxes or fees for residency were counted as "members." Other, less objective researchers have missed this point, and claimed high membership meant a high level of religious fervor during the early Colonial period. This really wasn't the case. Remember, only 35 of the 105 Mayflower colonists were Puritans. The others were merchants, fishermen, trappers, and others who were simply traveling to America. Most histories don't note this.Why are Americans constantly bombarded by the idea that the US is becoming "less Christian" than it was before? Primarily it's because certain sects have lost members while others gained them. Some sects that were dominant in early America barely exist today.Another force is also at work here. Religious leaders love to portray the church as "oppressed" by evil secular forces. They'd rather appeal to followers' emotions and fears than admit that American churches are doing rather well. Doing so wouldn't give church leaders the opportunity to paint an "us vs. them" battle, or to insist that Christianity is under attack.Fincke & Stark have done a great service by conducting their statistical analysis of the reality of this situation. While church leaders will wail and gnash their teeth at the authors' conclusions, rational people may start to understand how the American public has been manipulated. That's a good thing.

If someone thinks that religion, in order to attract new believers, should be in harmony with this world, woe betides him, he seems to be wrong. The authors explain that for more than two centuries, in America, the religious denominations with better scores in rates of growth were those which were organized sect-like, i.e., maintained distance with the world by imposing heavy demands upon his flock (but also granting them great rewards). On the other side, those which tried and compromised, in order to relieve tensions and differences with their society (i.e., those church-like) have been steadily declining. Difference pays, assimilation and ecumenism leads to bankruptcy.Why? Read the book and you will find out, and although perhaps you will be somewhat shocked to see religion explained by often using economic terminology, do not worry, the book is not irreverent. Besides, it is not a difficult read (only 300 pages) though it is not a light read either (content: 5 starts; pleasure: 4 to 3).P.S. For more information, I would also suggest reading the reviews of the first edition of this work ("The Churching of America, 1776-1990").

This is an update of later data from his first book on the same topic. I learned a lot from the first book and the second has not disappointed. Dr. Finke is one of my favorite researchers and authors on church growth, church health and how to assess denominational trends. He jumps over style to substance as the keys to getting and maintaining members. He punctures the self-serving rationalization a of Mainline apologists for why they are dead or dying. I also appreciate his economic model for it clarifies and simplifies growth and reduction patterns. Despite a terrible title, the book is a mother lode of useful information for Pastors and a Theologians as well as interested Laity.

I had to read this book for a Religious Studies course. It enlightened my understanding on christianity's roots in the US and how the different denominations evolved. cool book.

The “Churching or America” is an excellent book that uses evidence hiding in plain sight, the church data from 1800 census data, to derive conclusions about church participation going back to the colonial period. It corrects a lot of misconception and also connects some dots in understanding broader American historical topics. One of the key take away points is that the idea that churches grow by blending into society is entirely wrong however that what most churches today seem to be doing.

I grew up believing the Church was instrumental in the founding and building of America, but I also have seen little evidence of this "rumor". Finke sheds much light on the fact that America has never really has been a "Christian Nation", The facts show us very conclusively that at best only 25-40% of the nation were Christian at any given point of history.Mr. Finke has most likely made many enemies of my Christian friends and family members, but not I, I want the truth, no matter how much it goes against our preconceived "knowledge".

Had to read this book for a class. It's actually a fascinating read that delves into American religiosity and explains how America has become more observant over the years, and why some churches are growing while others shrink. Quite readable and interesting for anyone with a broad curiosity about American religion.

Brilliant book. Great use of much overlooked data. Should be read by all church leaders, clergy and laity. An effort could have been made to connect church movements with contemporary political movements, as they are in fact closely associated. Very informative nevertheless.