After the Baby Boomers: How Twenty- and Thirty-Somethings Are Shaping the Future of American Religion

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 312 pages
• Published by: Princeton University Press July 16, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0691127654
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0691127651
• Book Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. In a volume sure to change how pundits and clergy think about religion in the contemporary U.S., prolific Princeton sociologist Wuthnow (American Mythos) assembles and analyzes a vast amount of data about the religious lives of Americans aged 21 to 45. His interests include the extent to which younger adults participate in organized worship, as well as how they think about spirituality, the relationship between religion and politics, and theology. Wuthnow insists that in some ways, today’s younger adults are similar to their boomer parents—the vitality of small groups, for example, is nothing new. But there are key differences, chief among them the tendency of today’s younger adults to remain single longer than ever before. Married people are significantly more likely to participate in religious communities; at the same time, participation in at least some religious groups may make marriage more likely. Wuthnow argues that our society provides lots of structural support for children and teens, but leaves younger adults to fend for themselves during the decades when they’re making crucial decisions about family and work. Though long passages of dense statistics make for a sometimes clunky read, this book is terrifically important.

Product Review
"Robert Wuthnow has just published a awesomely valuable book that looks at young adulthood through the prism of religious practice." -- David Brooks, The New York Times

"What is more interesting is Wuthnow's discussion about how this generation of younger adults is shaping the churches in America." -- Regina Linskey, Catholic Online

"What they will find is a challenge to think more broadly about the future of the church." -- Brian McLaren, The Christian Century

Reader Reviews
After reading Smith and Denton's book, Soul Searching, with its great statistics on teens and faith, I wanted a book that was similar with information on young adults. I needed facts, not feelings, and this book offers that. I find it fascinating and easy reading, though I must admit I don't study every table carefully! It has been quite useful in my thesis work with young adults and faith.