Description
Book Synopsis: In 1962, Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council with the prophecy that 'a new day is dawning on the Church, bathing her in radiant splendour'. Desiring 'to impart an ever increasing vigour to the Christian life of the faithful', the Council Fathers devoted particular attention to the laity, and set in motion a series of sweeping reforms. The most significant of these centred on refashioning the Church's liturgy 'the source and summit of the Christian life' in order to make 'it pastorally efficacious to the fullest degree'.
Over fifty years on, however, the statistics speak for themselves. In America, only 15 percent of cradle Catholics say that they attend Mass on a weekly basis; meanwhile, 35 percent no longer even tick the 'Catholic box' on surveys. In Britain, the signs are direr still. Of those raised Catholic, just 13 percent still attend Mass weekly, and 37 percent say they have 'no religion'. But is this all the fault of Vatican II, and its runaway reforms? Or are wider social, cultural, and moral forces primarily to blame? Catholicism is not the only Christian group to have suffered serious declines since the 1960s. If anything Catholics exhibit higher church attendance, and better retention, than most Protestant churches do. If Vatican II is not the cause of Catholicism's crisis, might it instead be the secret to its comparative success?
Mass Exodus is the first serious historical and sociological study of Catholic lapsation and disaffiliation. Drawing on a wide range of theological, historical, and sociological sources, Stephen Bullivant offers a comparative study of secularization across two famously contrasting religious cultures: Britain and the USA.
Details
Are you curious about the drastic decline in Catholicism's followers since Vatican II? Look no further than "Mass Exodus: Catholic Disaffiliation in Britain and America since Vatican II". This groundbreaking book by Stephen Bullivant is a masterful combination of historical and sociological research, providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to this phenomenon.
Pope John XXIII envisioned a renewed and vibrant Church with the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962. However, the reality today is alarming. In America, a mere 15 percent of cradle Catholics attend Mass on a weekly basis, while in Britain, the numbers are even more disheartening, with only 13 percent of those raised Catholic maintaining weekly attendance. What has led to this exodus from the faith?
While some may place the blame solely on Vatican II and its reforms, Bullivant's research unveils a more complex reality. He delves into wider social, cultural, and moral forces that have shaped religious disaffiliation, not only within Catholicism but also across various Christian groups. Surprisingly, Catholicism still boasts higher church attendance and better retention rates compared to most Protestant churches. Could Vatican II actually hold the key to understanding this comparative success?
"Mass Exodus" stands as a much-needed historical and sociological study, shedding light on the causes behind Catholic lapsation and disaffiliation. Bullivant draws from an extensive range of sources, including theology, history, and sociology, to provide a compelling comparative analysis of secularization in Britain and the USA. This book will challenge your preconceptions and open your eyes to a new perspective on the state of Catholicism today.
If you are fascinated by the intersection of religion and society and want a deeper understanding of the decline in Catholic followership, don't miss out on "Mass Exodus: Catholic Disaffiliation in Britain and America since Vatican II". Discover the factors shaping the fate of Catholicism and gain valuable insights into the broader religious landscape. Grab your copy now and embark on an enlightening journey.
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