Publishers Weekly
★ 01/14/2019
Riess (The Prayer Wheel), a columnist for Religion News Service, captures the attitudes and beliefs of American Mormon (and former Mormon) millennials in this substantial work. Riess bases the book on a 2016 survey she conducted with nearly 2,000 participants and expands on the survey data with in-depth personal interviews. What she uncovers are generational differences in the practice of Mormonism—most notably that millennials appear to be more heterodox in their adherence to religious expectations, such as dietary codes and church attendance, than older generations of Mormons. Riess also examines the factors that lead to increased retention and engagement from millennials, such as family ties, a college education, and seminary attendance, and the reasons millennials cite for leaving the religion, such as feeling judged or misunderstood. Finally, the research reveals that millennials are more likely than older generations to be bothered by the traditional roles of women in the church, the treatment of LGBTQ members, and the evidence of historical or contemporary racism. Though based on rigorous research, the book remains accessible to the lay reader due to interviews and informal introductions. Riess goes light on theory, but she is responsibly cautious in her conclusions and analysis, providing unique insight into the modern evolution of Mormonism. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
"Without any question, for specialized scholars on contemporary Mormonism, this is a must-read." — Hans Gerald Hödl, Religious Studies Review
"Without any question, for specialized scholars on contemporary Mormonism, this is a must- read." — Hans Gerald Hödl, Religious Studies Review "...excellent statistical study of Latter-day Saints ... Recommended" — CHOICE "...will appeal every bit as much to lay readers as it will to scholars." — Nathan L. Jones, Church History"The Next Mormons is a spot-on book that can be profitably read by both Mormon and non-Mormon readers interested in the prospects of contemporary religion in modern America." — Gordon Shepherd, Reading Religion"The Next Mormons illuminates a church changing from below. The numbers are impressive. The prose engaging. The analytical insights profound. Although no one can predict with any certainty what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will look like a quarter century from now, this study offers a layered portrait of the contemporary church and a gentle reminder that past does not always predict the future." —Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Author of A House Full of Females: Plural Marriage and Women's Rights in Early Mormonism, 1835-1870 "The Next Mormons is a tour de force, replacing folklore with fact. If you are a practicing Mormon, read this book for a peek into the rising generation within the LDS Church. If you are an LDS leader, read this book to understand the challenges that are on the Church's horizon. If you are a former Mormon, read this book to see how your story lines up with those of others. If you are not LDS yourself, read this book to understand one of America's most fascinating religious groups. And even if you think you have no interest in Mormonism, read this book for insight into any religious subculture grappling with a rapidly-secularizing America." —David Campbell, author of Seeking the Promised Land: Mormons and American Politics "Riess (The Prayer Wheel), a columnist for Religion News Service, captures the attitudes and beliefs of American Mormon (and former Mormon) millennials in this substantial work . . . Though based on rigorous research, the book remains accessible to the lay reader due to interviews and informal introductions. Riess goes light on theory, but she is responsibly cautious in her conclusions and analysis, providing unique insight into the modern evolution of Mormonism." — Publisher's Weekly "The heart of the book is somewhat stripping and has provoked a mini-storm in the Mormon studies as the interest of religious sociologists.... [a] well-researched book." — Blandine Chelini-Pont of IDEAS
