Increasingly, we see people in the same denomination believing that they have more in common with others who share the same political affiliation than they do
TOPIC The Deeper Sources of Polarization in American Religious Life: A Sociological Perspective
siblings in Christ. With denominational identity waning around the country, how much does it matter to you today? How would you describe your connection to a denomination vs. a congregation? Can you locate turning points in your own story about how you have identified more or less with "Christian" as your primary identity over time? What do religious progressives and religious conservatives hold in common? How does your church explain the differences and why they matter or don’t?
VIDEO Link: bit.ly/deepersources_full Length: 46 minutes, 39 seconds
The panelists describe “special purpose groups” as another way of affiliating. What are the special purpose groups in your life? How do they inform your identity and values? Suburbanization, segregation, and pop culture are three driving forces behind what the panelists consider “splintering identities.” Do you have a story to share about how one or more of these things has impacted your own sense of self and community? Churches desire to be a place that brings people together. The community should be a major draw. However, there are many places—in person and online—that
PANELISTS Dr. Robert Wuthnow Andlinger Professor of Sociology Emeritus at Princeton University
now claim to offer a “real” community. What are the things that can or should make a church community distinctive? Relevant? Worthwhile? Churches that are most successful aren’t just more redemptive or reconciling but have also understood that you can use denominational structures to your
Dr. Gerardo Martí L. Richardson King Professor of Sociology at Davidson College
Moderated by Dr. Heath W. Carter
advantage and build coalitions (affordable housing, criminal justice, etc.). Where can you build? What would be authentic to your congregation?
ADDITIONAL READING RECOMMENDATIONS The Restructuring of American Religion: Society and Faith Since World War II By Robert Wuthnow Why Religion is Good for American Democracy By Robert Wuthnow American Blindspot: Race, Class, Religion, and the Trump Presidency By Gerardo Martî