Preparation Materials
- Episcopal Overview Fact Sheet
- Download #1a - American Grace - Chapter 1
- Download #1b - American Grace Summary Notes
- Download #2 - American Religion Introduction
- Download #3 - Great Emergence Introduction
Greetings!
We are fast approach the November 7-10, 2011 "Building the Continuum" Episcopal Church Summit on Faith Formation. Over the next 8 weeks I will be sending you selected materials to prepare you around the major themes of the Summit. The theme of the first preparation materials focuses on religious trends in the U.S. and on the large scale changes affecting Christianity, in general.
In addition to these preparation materials I have developed a special section of the LifelongFaith.com website with articles that survey research and trends affecting faith formation, and lifelong faith formation today (articles and websites). This is a dedicated page that can be accessed through the following link: http://www.lifelongfaith.com/episcopal-summit.html. Select the information that best addresses your learning needs.
I have selected the following videos and articles so that they will be easy to view or read the materials in short periods of time. You can probably complete the preparation for each one of the 3 areas below in about 30 minutes.
Preparation Materials #1. Religious and Church Trends
Please read the 4-page Episcopal Church FACT 2010 Overview (PDF attached). This is based on the findings from the 2010 Faith Communities Today Research (PDF attached).
1. American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us - David Campbell and Robert Putnam (http://americangrace.org)
In a landmark study of the role of religion in American life and the changing religious scene in America, Campbell and Putnam have written one of the most important books on religion in the 21st century.
Video: How religious are young Americans? - Robert Putnam (Clip #3) Templeton Foundation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgBWi6iJ7m4&feature=related
Video: PBS Interview with Robert Putnam
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/video/blog/2010/10/amazing_grace_reveals_rise_in.html
Article: American Grace - Chapter 1 (PDF attached)
Summary Notes: American Grace (PDF attached)
I compiled a summary of Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 15 in the book, American Grace. These chapters, in particular, have implications for the future of faith formation in congregations.
2. American Religion: Contemporary Trends - Mark Chaves
Mark Chaves finds that American religious life has seen much continuity in recent decades, but also much change. He challenges the popular notion that religion is witnessing a resurgence in the United States - in fact, traditional belief and practice is either stable or declining. Chaves examines how confidence in religious institutions has declined more than confidence in secular institutions.
Video: Are Americans Losing Faith in Religious Leaders
http://today.duke.edu/2011/08/chaves#video
Article: American Religion Introduction (PDF attached)
3. The Great Emergence - Phyllis Tickle (http://www.thegreatemergence.com)
Phyllis Tickle describes the historical developments and trends that are leading to a new epoch in Christianity, "The Great Emergence."
Videos: A Series of Short Videos on the Themes of the Great Emergence
http://www.thegreatemergence.com/VideoDiscussion
Article: Great Emergence Introduction (PDF attached)
Enjoy preparing for the Summit.
John Roberto
Summit Facilitator