Goodbye Religion
The Causes and Consequences of Secularization
By Jesse M. Smith, Ryan T. Cragun | Publisher: NYU Press
About the book
Examines why so many are leaving religion, and what that means for American society
One of the largest changes in American culture over the last fifty years has been the increase in people exiting religion. Goodbye Religion explores why there has been such an upswing among those who identify as nonreligious, and what the societal implications are of this move towards less religiosity.
Utilizing nationally representative data and more than a hundred in-depth interviews with people who leave their religion behind, Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith examine the variety of social, psychological, and environmental conditions behind the exiting process, as well as what people do with the time they used to devote to religious observance. They show that for most people who leave, abandoning religion is not a crisis, and does not generally disrupt their health, charitable giving, or volunteering. Drawing on the data, Cragun and Smith argue that the fears among some that massive religious exit will result in a decline in family values or less civic engagement are unfounded, and that those who become nonreligious remain engaged in society and continue to strive to make the world a better place. At a time where more and more individuals are questioning the implications of our increasingly secular society, Goodbye Religion offers an engaging and fascinating analysis into what religious exiting—and secularization broadly—means for American society.
Editions of Goodbye Religion
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781479825295
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781479825301
Read an Excerpt
Examines why so many are leaving religion, and what that means for American society
One of the largest changes in American culture over the last fifty years has been the increase in people exiting religion. Goodbye Religion explores why there has been such an upswing among those who identify as nonreligious, and what the societal implications are of this move towards less religiosity.
Utilizing nationally representative data and more than a hundred in-depth interviews with people who leave their religion behind, Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith examine the variety of social, psychological, and environmental conditions behind the exiting process, as well as what people do with the time they used to devote to religious observance. They show that for most people who leave, abandoning religion is not a crisis, and does not generally disrupt their health, charitable giving, or volunteering. Drawing on the data, Cragun and Smith argue that the fears among some that massive religious exit will result in a decline in family values or less civic engagement are unfounded, and that those who become nonreligious remain engaged in society and continue to strive to make the world a better place. At a time where more and more individuals are questioning the implications of our increasingly secular society, Goodbye Religion offers an engaging and fascinating analysis into what religious exiting—and secularization broadly—means for American society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goodbye Religion about?
Examines why so many are leaving religion, and what that means for American society
One of the largest changes in American culture over the last fifty years has been the increase in people exiting religion. Goodbye Religion explores why there has been such an upswing among those who identify as nonreligious, and what the societal implications are of this move towards less religiosity.
Utilizing nationally representative data and more than a hundred in-depth interviews with people who leave their religion behind, Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith examine the variety of social, psychological, and environmental conditions behind the exiting process, as well as what people do with the time they used to devote to religious observance. They show that for most people who leave, abandoning religion is not a crisis, and does not generally disrupt their health, charitable giving, or volunteering. Drawing on the data, Cragun and Smith argue that the fears among some that massive religious exit will result in a decline in family values or less civic engagement are unfounded, and that those who become nonreligious remain engaged in society and continue to strive to make the world a better place. At a time where more and more individuals are questioning the implications of our increasingly secular society, Goodbye Religion offers an engaging and fascinating analysis into what religious exiting—and secularization broadly—means for American society.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Goodbye Religion?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Religion: general > Religious issues and debates > Religious ethics
Where can I read a sample of Goodbye Religion?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781479825295
How long is Goodbye Religion and how many pages does it have?
Goodbye Religion has 352 page(s)
Is Goodbye Religion part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Secular Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Goodbye Religion?
Jesse M. Smith, Ryan T. Cragun
Who is the Publisher of the book Goodbye Religion?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Goodbye Religion is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781479825295) and paperback(ISBN 9781479825301)
Where can I buy Goodbye Religion online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Goodbye Religion from below
Where can I buy Goodbye Religion?