| Dr. Nancy L. Eiesland
Associate Professor, Sociology of Religion
Candler School of Theology
Chair, Ethics & Society
Graduate Division of Religion
Phone: 404/727-6346
Fax: 404/727-2494
Email: neiesla@emory.edu
Project Title:
Getting Religion Together: Family Life Centers as Institutional
Model
Project Description:
Nearly as ubiquitous as communities of faith in the United States
are religious family life centers. Generally attached to local congregations,
these centers intend to support the moral and spiritual well-being
of families through classes, support groups, recreation, and community
building rituals. They are a locus for both community-building and
community outreach. This project examines the origins of the institutional
model of the family life center which represents a distinct alteration
from the "Sunday school" model for religious education.
Using comparative case analysis, the project explores both the common
features and innovation within the model to address the particular
needs of African-American, immigrant, and new suburban families.
In addition to an examination of the model of family life centers
and their variations, the project examines how families interact
with these centers. Congregations intend their family life centers
to be wholesome environments for education, recreation, and religious
fellowship. This pro-family model enacts ideals, practices, and
values that may or may not represent the family life of congregants.
This project investigates how families utilize these religious resources
in fashioning their own family life today.
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