{"product_id":"after-heaven-9780520222281","title":"After Heaven","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eThe evolution of American spirituality over the past fifty years is the subject of Robert Wuthnow's engrossing new book. Wuthnow uses in-depth interviews and a broad range of resource materials to show how Americans, from teenagers to senior citizens, define their spiritual journeys. His findings are a telling reflection of the changes in beliefs and lifestyles that have occurred throughout the United States in recent decades.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWuthnow reconstructs the social and cultural reasons for an emphasis on a spirituality of \u003ci\u003edwelling\u003c\/i\u003e (houses of worship, denominations, neighborhoods) during the 1950s. Then in the 1960s a spirituality of \u003ci\u003eseeking\u003c\/i\u003e began to emerge, leading individuals to go beyond established religious institutions. In subsequent chapters Wuthnow examines attempts to reassert spiritual discipline, encounters with the sacred (such as angels and near-death experiences), and the development of the \"inner self.\" His final chapter discusses a spirituality of \u003ci\u003epractice\u003c\/i\u003e, an alternative for people who are uncomfortable within a single religious community and who want more than a spirituality of endless seeking.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe diversity of contemporary American spirituality comes through in the voices of the interviewees. Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Native Americans are included, as are followers of occult practices, New Age religions, and other eclectic groups. Wuthnow also notes how politicized spirituality, evangelical movements, and resources such as Twelve-Step programs and mental health therapy influence definitions of religious life today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWuthnow's landmark book, \u003ci\u003eThe Restructuring of American Religion\u003c\/i\u003e (1988), documented the changes in institutional religion in the United States; now \u003ci\u003eAfter Heaven\u003c\/i\u003e explains the changes in personal spirituality that have come to shape our religious life. Moreover, it is a compelling and insightful guide to understanding American culture at century's end.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Robert Wuthnow","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42960208199798,"sku":"9780520222281","price":31.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/1374\/6550\/files\/CoreSourceHub_ade5626a-6d70-490b-94ac-ff7ca29b8e7c.jpg?v=1767797350","url":"https:\/\/ingramacademic.com\/products\/after-heaven-9780520222281","provider":"Ingram Academic \u0026 Professional","version":"1.0","type":"link"}