Reorganized Religion

The Reshaping of the American Church and Why It Matters

By: Bob Smietana

Narrated by: AW Miller

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Uncover the ways the Christian church has changed in recent years—from the decline of the mainline denominations to the mega-churchification of American culture to the rise of the Nones and Exvaneglicals—and a hopeful reimagining of what the church might look like going forward.

The United States is in the middle of an unprecedented spiritual, technological, demographic, political and social transformation— moving from an older, mostly white, mostly Protestant, religion-friendly society to a younger diverse, multiethnic, pluralistic culture, where no one faith group will have the advantage. At the same time, millions of Americans are abandoning organized religion altogether in favor of disorganized disbelief.

Reorganized Religion is an in-depth and critical look at why people are leaving American churches and what we lose as a society as it continues. But it also accepts the dismantling of what has come before and try to help readers reinvent the path forward. This book looks at the future of organized religion in America and outline the options facing churches and other faith groups. Will they retreat? Will they become irrelevant? Or will they find a new path forward?

Written by veteran religion reporter Bob Smietana, Reorganized Religion is a journalistic look at the state of the American church and its future. It draws on polling data, interviews with experts, and reporting on how faith communities old and new are coping with the changing religious landscape, along with personal stories about how faith is lived in everyday life. It also profiles faith communities and leaders who are finding interesting ways to reimagine what church might look like in the future and discuss various ways we can reinvent this organization so it survives and thrives. The book also reflects the hope that perhaps people of faith can learn to become, if not friends with the larger culture, then at least better neighbors.

©2022 Bob Smietana (P)2022 Worthy Books

A must read for anyone who believes that the mission of the church still matters

An eye-opening appeal to those enlisted in the fight for the future and possibilities of the Kingdom of God and the Beloved Community.

Hard hitting honesty coupled with hopeful optimism

Fascinating look at religion in America, exploring both the issues facing organized religion as a whole, as well as impact of these issues on life in local congregations. The author is honest about the challenges while expressing optimism that things can change. Highly recommend this selection.

Interesting

I feel as if he does a great job presenting the facts and even how churches should try to grow but he frequently appears to let his own bias on doctrine influence his ideas.

Great insight and perspective

This book provides a balanced and well informed perspective on church culture today. I appreciated that the author talked about many of the challenges facing the church today as well as offering thoughts on what will need to change in order for our churches to change, grow and, most of all, to love others well.

Timely. Insightful. Inspiring

I have wrestled with my feelings on organized religion for years. The author’s stories & perspective were helpful.