Souls in transitions by Christian Smith and Patricia Snell

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What it is

Christian Smith's Souls in Transition explores hard-hitting questions as it tells the definitive story of the religious and spiritual lives of emerging adults, ages 18 to 24, in the U.S. today. Based on candid interviews with thousands of young people tracked over a five-year period, Souls in Transition reveals how the religious practices of the teenagers portrayed in Soul Searching have been strengthened, challenged, and often changed as they have moved into adulthood.

How we used it

This book is a resource for church leaders working with young adults.

What we like

The book vividly describes the broader cultural world of today’s emerging adults as well, how that culture shapes their religious outlooks and more generally, what the consequences are for religious faith and practice in America. Some of Smith's findings are surprising. Parents turn out to be the single most important influence on the religious outcomes in the lives of young adults. On the other hand, teenage participation in evangelization missions and youth groups does not predict a high level of religiosity just a few years later. Moreover, the common wisdom that religiosity declines sharply during the young adult years is shown to be greatly exaggerated.

What could be better

There isn’t much critique on this research book. It is what it is. Findings of the researchers cannot be debated. The questions it raises for this generation remain unanswered however. Time will tell. I highly recommend it.

Where can you get it

You can purchase this book on Amazon for 33.95 or on kindle for 32.99

Souls in Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults - Kindle edition by Smith, Christian, Snell, Patricia. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.