I'm always a fan when new statistics arrive in the mail, email, newsletter, etc., regarding the latest sociological trends in Canada. Maybe it's because I'm an economist by designation, maybe because I like to learn about my culture as a church planter. Nonetheless, from this perspective I found the latest Barna book very useful, albeit, I would have appreciated it more if I were an American. (Download part of the book here,
However, I'm not quite sure this is a necessary book to purchase, maybe a good one to pick up from the library. I for one enjoy Barna and his newsletter that arrive via email. Part of me wondered whether the first half of the book that outlined the seven major faith tribes according to Barna would have been better off in the concise newsletter format rather than in book form.
Not surprisingly, the first half of the book outlined sociological trends using Barna research (or in Canada the primary sociologist who has collected faith related data for years is Reg Bibby). I don't really think he noted anything ground breaking pertaining to the major seven (nones, Christians by designation, hardcore Christians, mormons, Muslims, and Eastern traditions).
Surprisingly, the remaining half of the book was spent answering the primary question Barna proposed, "how do we save America from the downward spiral of relativism and immorality?" Part of Barna's questions are not necessary faith based either. His comments on immigration are certainly more intune with maintaining the 'American identity' and not necessary the 'Christian perspective'.
The issues of leadership and engagement with culture took up the rest of the book. Leadership, yet again, a topic for Christians to embrace, and hopefully to use as a catalyst to initiate positive change. That is the extent of his conclusion as well, which I agree with being an economist.
In the free market enterprise, of which America rules supreme, consumers can vote with their feet. The change in culture will only come, not through lobbying or picketing, but by making sound from choosing leaders to buying the right products. Once we change our individual behaviour we can influence others to do the same, and as a whole slowly shape the future direction of America.
2.5 stars of 5, but 5 stars out of 5 if it arrived in a seven part newsletter series via email.
I found the book intriguing considering it was basically a treatise on how religion can effectively produce good citizens. It's quite a break, in that sense, from his earlier work. I'm not saying that's an unworthy topic, but it was fairly shallow and rife with conservative patriotic pandering.
I Barna's comments on immigration to be particularly disturbing and populist.
By the way, thanks for stopping by my blog and adding your comments. It was good to have you there.
I agree with your comments about immigration, I was taken aback of how xenophobic his thoughts came across. I can understand the need to preserve your own tradition, and also the balance of having newcomers reject or accept the local culture, but something tells me he could have articulated his thoughts with more detail.