Christian Smith's work delves into the intricate relationship between religion and modernity, with a particular focus on adolescents, American evangelicalism, and broader cultural landscapes. His research explores how religious beliefs and practices shape individual lives and societal dynamics. Smith employs a sociological lens to analyze these complex phenomena, seeking to understand their profound impact.
"This book is about how American religious parents approach the handing on of their religious practices and beliefs to their children. We know a lot about the importance of parents in faith transmission and factors that influence its effectiveness. But we know much less about the actual beliefs, feelings, and activities of the parents themselves when it comes to the intergenerational transmission of religious faith and practice"--
The memoir intertwines a son's exploration of his mother's paranormal abilities with a deep examination of their complex relationship. Christian Smith reflects on his childhood experiences, from witnessing his mother's psychic performances to her struggles with addiction and health issues. As a molecular biologist, he seeks to reconcile the extraordinary aspects of her life with scientific understanding. This unique narrative delves into themes of belief, skepticism, and the enduring bond of familial love, offering a poignant look at both personal and paranormal realms.
The purpose and nature of life -- Religion's value and truth -- Children, parenting, and family -- The whys and hows of religious transmission -- Theorizing cultural models -- Conclusion.
In recent years atheism has become ever more visible, acceptable, and influential. Atheist apologists have become increasingly vociferous and confident in their claims. In Atheist Overreach, Christian Smith takes a look at the evidence and explains why we ought to be skeptical of some key atheists' claims about morality, science, and human nature.
A groundbreaking new theory of religionReligion remains an important influence in the world today, yet the social sciences are still not adequately equipped to understand and explain it. This book advances an innovative theory of religion that goes beyond the problematic theoretical paradigms of the past. Drawing on the philosophy of critical realism and personalist social theory, Christian Smith explores why humans are religious in the first place―uniquely so as a species―and offers an account of secularization and religious innovation and persistence that breaks the logjam in which religious scholarship has been stuck for so long. Certain to stimulate debate and inspire promising new avenues of scholarship, Religion features a wealth of illustrations and examples that help to make its concepts accessible to readers. This superbly written book brings sound theoretical thinking to a perennially thorny subject, and a new vitality and focus to its study.
It is zero hour for a new US water policy! At a time when many countries are adopting new national approaches to water management, the United States still has no cohesive federal policy, and water-related authorities are dispersed across more than 30 agencies. Here, at last, is a vision for what we as a nation need to do to manage our most vital resource. In this book, leading thinkers at world-class water research institution the Pacific Institute present clear and readable analysis and recommendations for a new federal water policy to confront our national and global challenges at a critical ..
Exploring the recent trend of American evangelicals considering Catholicism, this book addresses common concerns and theological misunderstandings faced by those contemplating joining the Catholic Church. It outlines practical steps for entering full communion, framing the transition as a "paradigm shift" that reflects a crisis within evangelicalism. Aimed at both evangelicals and Catholic pastoral workers, it serves as a guide for understanding this significant spiritual journey and the complexities involved in the decision-making process.
What is a person? This fundamental question is a perennial concern of philosophers and theologians. This book argues that it also lies at the center of the social scientist's quest to interpret and explain social life. It presents a model for social theory that does justice to the best of our humanistic visions of people, life, and society.
A world-renowned sociologist argues that evangelical biblicism is impossible and produces unwanted pastoral consequences.
In Moral, Believing Animals, Christian Smith advances a creative theory of human persons and culture that offers innovative, challenging answers to these and other fundamental questions in sociological, cultural, and religious theory.