A People’s History of Christianity: The Other Side of the Story
Description
HarperOne, 2009
For too long, the history of Christianity has been told as the triumph of orthodox doctrine imposed through power and hierarchy. In A People’s History of Christianity, historian and religion expert Diana Butler Bass reveals an alternate history that includes a deep social ethic and far-reaching inclusivity: “the other side of the story” is not a modern phenomenon, but has always been practiced within the church. Butler Bass persuasively argues that corrective—even subversive—beliefs and practices have always been hallmarks of Christianity and are necessary to nourish communities of faith.
From Nomads to Pilgrims: Stories from Practicing Congregations
Description
Edited by Diana Butler Bass and Joseph Stewart-Sicking
Alban, 2005
The contributors to From Nomads to Pilgrims are innovators, representing some of the most dynamic leadership voices among today’s clergy. Their experiences challenge conventional thinking and inspire creative experimentation. Any congregational leader searching for positive models will appreciate these insightful essays.
The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church
Description
Alban, 2004
The conventional wisdom about mainline Protestantism maintains that it is a dying tradition, irrelevant to a postmodern society, unresponsive to change, and increasingly disconnected from its core faith tenets. In her provocative new book, historian and researcher Diana Butler Bass argues that there are signs that mainline Protestant churches are indeed changing, finding a new vitality intentionally grounded in Christian practices and laying the groundwork for a new type of congregation.
“Diana Butler Bass imagines a new future for the mainline church. She sees the forest and the trees, the great tradition and the local parish. Her vision is clear, her passion is obvious, and her analysis is solid.” — THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY
“This is an eye-opening book, a buoyant book. It tells a new story, and anyone interested in the present or future of the Christian church should read it.” — LAUREN F. WINNER
Broken We Kneel: Reflections on Faith and Citizenship
Description
Revised edition published by Church Publishing, 2019
Bass looks at Christian identity, patriotism, citizenship, and congregational life in an attempt to answer the central question that so many are struggling with today: “To whom do Christians owe deepest allegiance? God or country?”
America’s unique and often fractious relationship between church and state is, if anything, more relevant to who we are as a nation than when Diana Butler Bass’ examination of it in Broken We Kneel was first published 16 years ago. This second edition contains a new foreword and introduction, as well as a new conclusion outlining her vision for the future. Born in the tumultuous aftermath of 9/11 and now a spiritual classic, the book draws on both her personal experience and her knowledge of religious history. Bass looks at Christian identity, patriotism, citizenship, and congregational life in an attempt to answer the central question that so many are struggling with today: “To whom do Christians owe deepest allegiance? God or country?”
In writing both impassioned and historically informed, Bass reflects on current events, personal experiences, and political questions that have sharpened the tensions between serious faith and national imperatives. The book incorporates the author’s own experience of faith, as writer, teacher, wife, mother, and churchgoer into a larger conversation about Christian practice and contemporary political issues. Broken We Kneel is a call to remember that the core of Christian identity is not always compatible with national political policies.
Strength for the Journey: A Pilgrimage of Faith in Community
Description
Second Edition, Church Publishing, 2017
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
As a standard in the field of spiritual autobiography, Diana Butler Bass’ Strength for the Journey has been a guide for thousands of Christians who have also found themselves “journeying” along a path toward a faith different from that discovered in childhood.
Offering thought-provoking portraits of eight parishes she attended over two decades, she explores the major issues that have confronted mainline denominations, congregations, and parishioners during those years–from debates over women clergy to conflicts about diversity and community to scrimmages between tradition and innovation.
“The book you are holding in your hands is as much an amazement as a book. Though it may be—and is—gentle and unassuming, the tale told on these pages spreads in one’s soul over time like a powerful music heard or a rich brandy well savored…. Strength for the Journey is a sui generis, a thing unto itself, a one-of-a-kind book.” — PHYLLIS TICKLE Order from Church Publishing
Standing Against the Whirlwind: Evangelical Episcopalians in Nineteenth-Century America
Description
Oxford University Press, 1995
Winner of the Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize of the American Society of Church History
“The book is a brilliant case study of the conflicts within a denomination occupying a crucial position within the religious spectrum of American society and culture.” — THE CRESSET
Embracing Spiritual Awakening DVD: Diana Butler Bass on the Dynamics of Experiential Faith – DVD
Description
2013
In this newest installment, Diana Butler Bass expands on the ideas she developed in her recent book, Christianity After Religion, exploring what Christianity may look like “beyond religion and beyond the church.” Segments include (1) Arriving, (2) Believing, (3) Behaving, (4) Belonging and (5) Awakening.
Sold in combination with the Embracing Spiritual Awakening printed guide, 9781606741146. Buy one DVD per class and one guide per participant and leader.
Get In Touch with Diana
My door is open. What's on your mind?
To write to Diana with comments and questions not related to bookings,
please use the form below.