{"title":"Books by Robert Wuthnow","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780674151659","title":"Communities of Discourse – Ideology \u0026 Social Structure in the Reformation, the Enlightenment \u0026 European Socialism (Paper)","description":"Sociologist Robert Wuthnow notes remarkable similarities in the social conditions surrounding three of the greatest challenges to the status quo in the development of modern society—the Protestant Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the rise of Marxist socialism.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56292864295285,"sku":"9780674151659","price":40.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780674151659_65c3ac51-feab-4d9a-8a14-1295918c611f.jpg?v=1786015111"},{"product_id":"9780691250878","title":"Faith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe communities, congregations, and faith-based coalitions that have been working for racial justice over the past fifty years\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHave progressive religious organizations been missing in action in recent struggles for racial justice? In \u003ci\u003eFaith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice\u003c\/i\u003e, Robert Wuthnow shows that, contrary to activists’ accusations of complacency, Black and White faith leaders have fought steadily for racial and social justice since the end of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Wuthnow introduces us to the communities, congregations, and faith-based coalitions that have worked on fair housing, school desegregation, affirmative action, criminal justice, and other issues over many years. Often overshadowed by the Religious Right, these progressive faith-based racial justice advocates kept up the fight even as media attention shifted elsewhere.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWuthnow tells the stories of the faith-based affordable housing project in St. Louis that sparked controversy in the Nixon White House; a pastor’s lawsuit in North Carolina that launched the nation’s first busing program for school desegregation; the faith outreach initiative for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign; and church-mobilized protests following the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, and George Floyd. Drawing on extensive materials from denominations, journalists, and social scientists, Wuthnow offers a detailed and frank discussion of both the achievements and the limitations of faith leaders’ roles. He focuses on different issues that emerged at different times, tracing the efforts of Black and White faith leaders who sometimes worked cooperatively and more often tackled problems in complementary ways. Taken together, these stories provide lessons in what faith communities have done and how they can better advocate for racial justice in the years ahead.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56368111976821,"sku":"9780691250878","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780691250878_5d539ded-501f-4a17-8ec6-3d62fb5a7812.jpg?v=1786015044"},{"product_id":"the-religious-left","title":"The Religious Left","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn incisive examination of progressive faith-based activism and its impact on American public life\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile the Religious Right often dominates headlines, the Religious Left has been a persistent and influential force in shaping public policy across a wide spectrum of issues – from immigration and climate change to gun reform, marriage equality, and criminal justice. Despite its lower visibility, its contributions have been substantial, though not always successful.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Religious Left\u003c\/i\u003e, Robert Wuthnow offers a compelling analysis of progressive religious activism over the past 25 years. Drawing on policy documents, denominational reports, and public testimony, he highlights the work of key leaders and organizations operating largely behind the scenes. The book places contemporary efforts in historical context, tracing their roots to the Social Gospel movement of the nineteenth century and examining how strategies and priorities have evolved.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough in-depth case studies of nine major issues, Wuthnow assesses the strengths and limitations of the Religious Left's approach to advocacy. He offers thoughtful recommendations for faith leaders and congregations seeking to engage more effectively in progressive activism – especially at a time when democracy itself is embattled.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57484303040885,"sku":"9781479841950","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781479841950.jpg?v=1786266360"},{"product_id":"why-religion-is-good-for-american-democracy","title":"Why Religion Is Good for American Democracy","description":"How the actions and advocacy of diverse religious communities in the United States have supported democracy’s development during the past centuryDoes religion benefit democracy? Robert Wuthnow says yes. In Why Religion Is Good for American Democracy, Wuthnow makes his case by moving beyond the focus on unifying values or narratives about culture wars and elections. Rather, he demonstrates that the beneficial contributions of religion are best understood through the lens of religious diversity. The religious composition of the United States comprises many groups, organizations, and individuals that vigorously, and sometimes aggressively, contend for what they believe to be good and true. Unwelcome as this contention can be, it is rarely extremist, violent, or autocratic. Instead, it brings alternative and innovative perspectives to the table, forcing debates about what it means to be a democracy.   Wuthnow shows how American religious diversity works by closely investigating religious advocacy spanning the past century: during the Great Depression, World War II, the civil rights movement, the debates about welfare reform, the recent struggles for immigrant rights and economic equality, and responses to the coronavirus pandemic. The engagement of religious groups in advocacy and counteradvocacy has sharpened arguments about authoritarianism, liberty of conscience, freedom of assembly, human dignity, citizens’ rights, equality, and public health. Wuthnow hones in on key principles of democratic governance and provides a hopeful yet realistic appraisal of what religion can and cannot achieve.   At a time when many observers believe American democracy to be in dire need of revitalization, Why Religion Is Good for American Democracy illustrates how religious groups have contributed to this end and how they might continue to do so despite the many challenges faced by the nation.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57499479802229,"sku":"9780691222653","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780691222653.jpg?v=1786694835"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-robert-wuthnow.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}