Fragmented Gods: The Poverty and Potential of Religion in Canada

Having served in Canada for four years, Bibby is very right=on with his analysis. Not only for Canadians, but because of the closeness to America both in distance and in thinking, this book is equally equatable and applicable to Canada's southern neighbor.From surveys and demographics and interviews, Bibby paints a picture of culture leading and religion following. Not a pretty picture for the future. Of the world but in the world flys right out of the window. Terrifying is his conclusion: "In this country, religion gives every indication of being something we create rather than something with a non-human dimension.Fragmentation happens and will accelerate, Bibby portends, due to increase in innovation and information resulting in increased numbers who tend to have no indentifiable commitment --- constantly changing. Regular attendance and loyalty to a confession will continue their downslide.His recommendation? Reconnect God to self to society. Tough order, if faithful to God and not linking with the culture. "If religion is to interact effectively with culture, then it has to be able to transcend culture, so that it has something to bring, and be responsive to culture, so that it knows how to bring it."