57 pages 1 hour read

Savannah Guthrie

Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2024

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Background

Cultural Context: Faith in a Secularizing Society

Mostly What God Does seeks to highlight the role of faith as a stabilizing and unifying force. The book suggests that faith can provide a sense of purpose and hope amidst the complexities and uncertainties of modern life. One trend in the cultural landscape is growing secularism in the United States. This trend is characterized by a decline in church attendance and religious affiliation. According to the Pew Research Center, the proportion of Americans identifying as Christian has been steadily decreasing, while the number of those identifying as religiously unaffiliated, including atheists and agnostics, has been rising. This shift reflects broader changes in societal attitudes towards religion and spirituality.

In response to these trends, many religious institutions are adapting by emphasizing core values such as community, compassion, and service, rather than strict adherence to doctrinal norms. This adaptation is evident in the increasing involvement of faith-based organizations in social justice initiatives, community service projects, and interfaith dialogue. These efforts aim to address the practical and emotional needs of communities in ways that resonate with contemporary values and experiences.

Guthrie’s book reflects this broader cultural context by suggesting that faith is not only about religious rituals but about embracing a way of life that offers resilience against societal challenges.