Countercultural: Subversive Resistance and the Neighborhood Congregation

The loss of strength and confidence among congregations and other voluntary association organizations has been caused by the shift in American cultural values over the past half century. Tara Isabella Burton identifies three challengers to this sense of communal congregational life: the social justice movement, techno-utopianism, and atavism. Congregations need to be countercultural and reclaim their institutional purpose at this critical moment in history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The past fifty years have witnessed a significant decline in strength and confidence among congregations, as well as a host of other voluntary association organizations, as a result of the profound cultural shifts that have taken place in American society. Our culture is currently navigating a delicate balance between freedom and equality, striving to strike a harmonious chord between individual liberties and the collective well-being of society. In the wake of an excessive emphasis on the self, the individual narrative of the Christian faith, and the role of the congregation, which emphasizes shared creation and the critical importance of community, there is a growing need for a revitalization of communal congregational life.

Tara Isabella Burton identifies three challengers to this sense of communal congregational life as competing "civil religions": the social justice movement, techno-utopianism, and atavism. While these movements offer valuable perspectives and values, they often prioritize the self over the collective and fail to recognize the inherent value of the common good. Congregations, on the other hand, possess a unique voice and perspective that can offer an antidote to the self-centeredness of these competing civil religions.

Congregations are not merely social clubs or gathering places; they are centers of spiritual and moral guidance, rooted in a belief in God (a power that transcends the self) and a commitment to the common good. This book aims to challenge congregations to reclaim their institutional purpose and become agents of change in our society at a critical juncture in history. By embracing their unique role and values, congregations can contribute to the betterment of the world and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The challenges facing congregations are numerous, but they are not insurmountable. By fostering a sense of community, promoting dialogue and understanding, and engaging in social action and service, congregations can become powerful forces for positive change. They can also work to bridge the gaps between different communities and promote inclusivity and diversity.

In conclusion, the past fifty years have been a period of significant cultural transformation, and congregations have been profoundly affected. However, by embracing their unique role and values, congregations can play a vital role in shaping the future of our society. By reclaiming their institutional purpose and becoming agents of change, congregations can help to build a more just, equitable, and compassionate world for all.

Weight: 263g
Dimension: 225 x 154 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538178652