This book takes a novel, cultural approach to studying mainline denominations, focusing on the denominations’ religious and moral vision–the beliefs, values, symbols, stories, and style that make a denomination distinct. Of special concern are the ways in which denominations passed on their vision and how they maintained plausibility under changing circumstances. Contributors include a variety of authors, historians, sociologists, anthropologists, educators, and liturgists who examine ways in which denominations have sought to transmit their culture with varying degrees of success or failure.
Wade Clark Roof is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author or editor of several books, including American Mainline Religion (with William McKinney).