The Practicing Congregation

Imagining a New Old Church

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Church, Church Institutions & Organizations
Cover of the book The Practicing Congregation by Diana Butler Bass, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Diana Butler Bass ISBN: 9781566996716
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Publication: September 1, 2004
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Language: English
Author: Diana Butler Bass
ISBN: 9781566996716
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication: September 1, 2004
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English

The conventional wisdom about mainline Protestantism maintains that it is a dying tradition, irrelevant to a postmodern society, unresponsive to change, and increasingly disconnected from its core faith tenets. In her provocative new book, historian and researcher Diana Butler Bass argues that there are signs that mainline Protestant churches are indeed changing, finding a new vitality intentionally grounded in Christian practices and laying the groundwork for a new type of congregation. The Practicing Congregation tracks these changes by looking at the overall history of American congregations, noting the cultural trends that have sparked change, and providing evidence of how mainline churches are reappropriating traditional Christian practices. The signs of life that Bass identifies lead the reader beyond the crumbling "liberal vs. conservative" dualities to a more nuanced and fluid understanding of the shape of contemporary ecclesiology and faithfulness. In so doing, she helps readers understand tradition in new ways and creates an alternative path through the culture wars that today arrest the energies of most denominations. Invigorated by stories from Bass's own experience, The Practicing Congregation provides a hopeful and exciting vision for the church. The imaginative "retraditioning" she identifies and celebrates will guide pastors and other leaders on this "pilgrimage of creating church" and convincingly counter the naysayers that long ago gave up on the viability of the mainline church.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The conventional wisdom about mainline Protestantism maintains that it is a dying tradition, irrelevant to a postmodern society, unresponsive to change, and increasingly disconnected from its core faith tenets. In her provocative new book, historian and researcher Diana Butler Bass argues that there are signs that mainline Protestant churches are indeed changing, finding a new vitality intentionally grounded in Christian practices and laying the groundwork for a new type of congregation. The Practicing Congregation tracks these changes by looking at the overall history of American congregations, noting the cultural trends that have sparked change, and providing evidence of how mainline churches are reappropriating traditional Christian practices. The signs of life that Bass identifies lead the reader beyond the crumbling "liberal vs. conservative" dualities to a more nuanced and fluid understanding of the shape of contemporary ecclesiology and faithfulness. In so doing, she helps readers understand tradition in new ways and creates an alternative path through the culture wars that today arrest the energies of most denominations. Invigorated by stories from Bass's own experience, The Practicing Congregation provides a hopeful and exciting vision for the church. The imaginative "retraditioning" she identifies and celebrates will guide pastors and other leaders on this "pilgrimage of creating church" and convincingly counter the naysayers that long ago gave up on the viability of the mainline church.

More books from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cover of the book Globalization and Money by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Marketing for Special and Academic Libraries by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Libraries, Human Rights, and Social Justice by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Experiencing Debussy by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Teaching and Supporting Migrant Children in Our Schools by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book The London Stage 1940-1949 by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Hanging Out and Hanging On by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Trouble Talking by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Postmodernist Literature and Theater by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book The Doomed Horse Soldiers of Bataan by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book The Verse Novel in Young Adult Literature by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Creating Music by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of U.S. Diplomacy during the Cold War by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book On Race and Medicine by Diana Butler Bass
Cover of the book Student Voice by Diana Butler Bass
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy