
Divided by Faith

It is a narrative of how some of America’s core values and assumptions and its reliance on market principles contradict and work against other esteemed values.
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
we explore the ways in which culture, values, norms, and organizational features that are quintessentially evangelical and quintessentially American, despite having many positive qualities, paradoxically have negative effects on race relations.
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
as long as the American democracy remains at the head of affairs no one will undertake so difficult a task; and it may be foreseen that the freer the white population of the United States becomes, the more isolated will it remain.
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
we were led to move beyond the old idea that racial problems result from ignorant, prejudiced, mean people (and that evangelicals are such people).
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
The early white abolitionists opposed slavery but not racialization. They were uncomfortable with these strange Africans, and, to put it bluntly, wished them to go away.
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
First, ethnic and racial groups, in and of themselves, are amoral. Second, people prefer to worship in their own cultural groups. Third, denominations and congregations that use the “homogenous units principle,” which means that volunteer organizations function best when composed of just one cultural group, grow and are more vital.
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
Our argument is that evangelicals desire to end racial division and inequality, and attempt to think and act accordingly. But, in the process, they likely do more to perpetuate the racial divide than they do to tear it down.
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
As a nation, Americans have devoted extensive time and energy discussing religion and race. Questions like, “What is the proper place of religion?” “What is the role of race?” “In what direction is each heading and what does this mean for us as a nation?”
Michael O. Emerson, Christian Smith • Divided by Faith
“Christianity is not just reconciliation to God but reconciliation with people. You start out at the personal level and you see people as people. We also address systemic injustice, looking for ways to help either advocate for people who don’t have a voice or help make the playing ground a little more equal.”