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

The book "Churching and Secting" by Finke and Stark is a groundbreaking exploration of the dynamic nature of religious participation in America.

The authors challenge the common assumption that religious participation has declined over time, instead revealing a complex picture of church growth and decline across different denominations.

Through a detailed analysis of historical data and case studies, Finke and Stark demonstrate how established churches have lost their organizational vigor and been replaced by less worldly groups, while also highlighting the factors that contribute to the success or failure of religious organizations.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complex and ever-changing landscape of American religion.