Named A Best Spiritual Book of the Year by Spirituality PracticeThe last twenty years have seen a dramatic increase in "nones": people who do not claim any religious affiliation. These "nones" now outnumber even the largest Protestant denominations in America. They are not to be confused with secularists; however; for many of them identify themselves as "spiritual but not religious" (SBNR). The response to this dramatic change in American religion has been amazingly mixed. While social scientists have been busy counting and categorizing them; the public has swung between derision and adulation. Some complain "nones" are simply shallow dilettantes; narcissistically concerned with their own inner world. Others hail them as spiritual giants; and ground-breaking pioneers. Rarely; however; have these "nones" been asked to explain their own views; beliefs; and experiences. In Belief without Borders; theologian and one-time SBNR Linda Mercadante finally gives these individuals a chance to speak for themselves.This volume is the result of extensive observation and nearly 100 in-depth interviews with SBNRs across the United States. Mercadante presents SBNRs' stories; shows how they analyze their spiritual journeys; and explains why they reject the claims of organized religion. Surprisingly; however; Mercadante finds these SBNRs within as well as outside the church. She reveals the unexpected; emerging latent theology within this group; including the interviewees' creative concepts of divine transcendence; life after death; human nature; and community. The conclusions she draws are startling: despite the fact that SBNRs routinely discount the creeds and doctrines of organized religion; many have devised a structured set of beliefs; often purposefully in opposition to doctrines associated with Christianity.Belief without Borders is a captivating exploration of a growing belief system certain to transform the spiritual character of America.
#1374450 in Books Oxford University Press; USA 2013-02-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x 1.00 x 1.20l; 1.12 #File Name: 0199897980286 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A necessary reading in these times.By Laura Gonzalez FloresA necessary book to read in these times. Dear gives important information to not only understand the history and meaning of this border; but to question of its present constituency.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A balanced discussion of issues raised by attempts to create ...By kay wilsonA balanced discussion of issues raised by attempts to create an island state in a geographically continuous continent. Key reading for understanding current issues in immigration.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. If you don't read this book then you are dumb.By Feed Me SeymourThis book emphasizes the connections between Mexico and the United States. The Author; Michael Dear; calls the area a 'third nation.' He recounts his travels along the boarder as well as giving a fairly comprehensive history of the border; and a recap of all the crap that's gone on in the last 15 years. I learned a lot and I'm definitely reading this book again! I would give it 5 stars but I don't want to sound like a kiss@ss; well that and the writing got a little flowery when he would describe the monuments and towns on the border. He's got good numbers on the cost of the wall and the useless 'Border-Industrial complex' but I was hoping that he would go a little bit heavier on the economics; maybe mentioning more mainstream economists that would back up his points. I wish this book were required reading and I hope to see the author giving more debates on TV. I only found one youtube video of him.
