Grounded: Finding God in the World; A Spiritual Revolution

In her excellent treatise, Bass (Christianity After Religion) addresses the apparent decline of religious practice in America. In cogent, convincing arguments, she declares the current state of religion as not dying but transforming. Bass juxtaposes the postcard church—its static, pristine steeple pointing to heaven above—with the energetic church of community-oriented churchgoers across the Earth. “God is with us. Here,” she states. In her introduction, Bass explains the chapters that follow, including strengthening her own journey, respecting all faiths, and asking “Where is God?” within each given subject. “Natural Habitat” ponders dirt, water, and sky; “Human Geography” covers roots, home, neighborhood, and commons. Her conclusion comes with the revelation and defense of “an ongoing spiritual evolution.” She often quotes fellow religious writers (from Sam Harris to Hildegard) and tells transformative stories (from finding her Quaker roots, to mourning with a man on a plane). Bass’s biblical and effusive style, always mixing the personal with the political and scriptural, finds a deeper, more profound register in this latest book. It is a call to arms, sure to inspire Bass’s intimate fan base committed to a Christian revolution. (Oct.)