Evangelical Worship: An American Mosaic

Evangelical worship is often underestimated as a manipulative effort to arouse devotional exhilaration. However, by failing to engage this worship seriously, we miss vital insights into a form of Protestantism that exerts widespread influence in the United States and around the world. Evangelical Worship offers a new way forward in the study of American evangelical Christianity, arguing that corporate worship is not a peripheral extra tacked on to a fully-formed spiritual, political, and cultural movement, but rather the crucible through which congregations forge, argue over, and enact their unique contributions to the American mosaic known as evangelicalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Evangelical worship is a significant aspect of American religious life, often associated with a specific image of white, middle-class worshippers with their eyes closed and hands raised to the sky. However, it is often underestimated and dismissed as a mere manipulation or derivative of secular entertainment. In reality, evangelical worship is a complex and diverse phenomenon that deserves to be studied in its own right.

By failing to engage with evangelical worship seriously, we miss out on valuable insights into a form of Protestantism that exerts widespread influence in the United States and around the world. Evangelical Worship offers a fresh perspective on this topic, drawing on insights from American religious history and liturgical studies and extensive fieldwork in seven congregations.

Melanie C. Ross argues that corporate worship is not a peripheral aspect of evangelical Christianity but rather the crucible through which congregations forge, argue over, and enact their unique contributions to the American mosaic known as evangelicalism. She explores how evangelical worship is shaped by historical factors, cultural influences, and individual congregations' experiences and beliefs.

Ross demonstrates that evangelical worship is not a uniform or monolithic phenomenon but rather a diverse array of practices and expressions. She highlights the ways in which congregations use music, prayer, preaching, and other elements to create a sense of community, connect with God, and express their faith. She also explores the ways in which evangelical worship is influenced by broader cultural trends, such as the rise of consumerism and the emphasis on personal experience.

One of the key insights of Evangelical Worship is that corporate worship is not merely a means of fostering devotion or emotional excitement but rather a means of shaping and expressing evangelical identity. Ross argues that evangelical worship is a form of cultural expression that helps congregations define themselves and their place in the world. She explores how evangelical worship is used to reinforce social norms, promote moral values, and shape political ideologies.

Evangelical Worship also offers valuable insights into the relationship between religion and culture. Ross argues that evangelical worship is not a separate or isolated phenomenon but rather is deeply intertwined with broader cultural trends and movements. She explores how evangelical worship is used to navigate cultural tensions, such as the debate over homosexuality and the role of women in the church.

In conclusion, Evangelical Worship is a valuable contribution to the study of American evangelical Christianity. By engaging with this worship seriously and exploring its diverse aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of this important form of Protestantism and its impact on American society.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 243 x 167 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197530757