Ambivalent miracles
Book Description
Within American evangelical Christianity, a quiet revolution has been unfolding for over thirty years. Nancy D. Wadsworth examines this remarkable transformation in "Ambivalent Miracles," revealing how evangelical communities have embarked on an unexpected journey toward racial integration and equality.
This groundbreaking study explores a movement that challenges believers to build authentic cross-racial relationships, often requiring them to question long-held assumptions about church growth and community building. Wadsworth documents how evangelical racial change efforts have created meaningful transformation within religious communities, despite facing mixed reception and ongoing internal struggles.
Drawing from extensive fieldwork including interviews, participant observation, and case studies spanning a decade, Wadsworth presents the first comprehensive political science analysis of this phenomenon. She traces how historical, political, and cultural forces have shaped these efforts, revealing the complex dynamics at work when faith communities confront issues of race and justice.
The book illuminates how participants navigate contemporary challenges including immigration, law enforcement, and education policy while maintaining diverse political perspectives. Wadsworth demonstrates that the movement's remarkable achievements, political complexities, and internal tensions emerge from the unique intersection of American racial history, religious tradition, and conservative evangelical meaning-making practices.
For readers interested in understanding how spiritual communities can evolve and address social justice issues, this work offers valuable insights into the possibilities and challenges of faith-based transformation.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 311 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Political aspects
- ✓ Explore Social aspects
- ✓ Explore Christianity and politics
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Race relations, religious aspects, christianity
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore United states, church history
