DESCRIPTION

In Christian Scharen and several other contributors explore empirical and theological understandings of the church. Like the first volume in the Studies in Ecclesiology and Ethnography series, this second volume seeks to bridge the great divide between theological research and ethnography (or qualitative research). Grouped in three main categories -- "On Congregations and the Church," "On Congregations and Worship," and "On Congregations and Society" -- wide-ranging chapters cover fascinating topics such as geographic habits of American evangelicals, debates over difficult issues like homosexuality, and responses to social problems like drug abuse and homelessness. Each contributor models a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, with fruitful results that will set a new standard for ecclesiological research.