High on God : how megachurches won the heart of America

The Resource High on God : how megachurches won the heart of America
Label
High on God : how megachurches won the heart of America
Title remainder
how megachurches won the heart of America
Statement of responsibility
James K. Wellman, Jr., Katie E. Corcoran, Kate J. Stockly
Creator
Contributor
Author
Subject
Genre
Language
eng
Summary
"God is like a drug, a high, [I] can't wait for the next hit." This direct quote from a megachurch member speaking about his experience of God might be dismissed as some sort of spiritually-induced drug riff. However, according to the research in this book, it was not only sincere, but a deeply felt, and sought-after sensibility. Megachurch attendees desire this first-hand experience of God, and many report finding it in their congregations. The book focuses on the emotional, social and religious dynamics that pull thousands of people into megachurches and how those churches make some feel like they are "high on God" and can't wait to get their next spiritual "hit." High on God gives the first robust and plausible explanation for why megachurches have conquered the churchgoing market of America. Without condescension or exaggeration, the authors show the genius of megachurches: the power of charisma, the design of facilities, the training of leaders, the emotional dynamics, and the strategies that bring people together and lead them to serve and help others. Using Emile Durkheim's concept of homo duplex, the authors plot the strategies that megachurches employ to satisfy the core human craving for personal meaning and social integration, as well as personal identity and communal solidarity. The authors also show how these churches can go wrong, sometimes tragically so. But they argue that, for the most part, megachurches help their attendees find themselves through bonding with and serving others
Tone
Writing style
Cataloging source
DLC
Dewey number
  • 277.3/083
  • 278.73083
Illustrations
illustrations
Index
index present
LC call number
BV637.9
LC item number
.W45 2020
Literary form
non fiction
Nature of contents
bibliography

Context

Context of High on God : how megachurches won the heart of America

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