Thursday, May 15, 2008

Gerardo Marti on ‘fluid ethnicity’ in JSSR

Gerardo Marti, whose research we’ve been blessed by (see this and this), has a paper in the current issue of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion:

Fluid Ethnicity and Ethnic Transcendence in Multiracial Churches
Gerardo Marti
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 47 (1), 11–16

Abstract

Assumptions of racial essentialism lead to inadequate analysis of multiracial churches. Instead, acknowledging ethnic identity as a negotiated phenomenon encourages a richer investigation of how congregational participation stimulates and redefines a person’s racial and ethnic identity. The malleability of ethnic identity is such that it is often obscured in favor of other aspects of self. Ethnographic analysis of two multiracial churches, Mosaic and Oasis, indicates that particularistic ethnic affiliations recede when otherworldly, value-rational interests are emphasized. Ethnic transcendence occurs when members adopt a shared identity based on a uniquely congregational understanding of what it means to be a properly religious person (a proper “Christian,” “Jew,” “Muslim,” “Buddhist,” etc.). In short, the distinctive accomplishment of multiracial congregations is the cultivation of an inclusive religious identity that overrides divisive aspects of ethnic identity. Moreover, recognizing the varying salience of racial and ethnic identity evokes greater caution regarding what can be assumed when researchers apply the label “multiracial” to congregations.

(We may be able to make a copy of this paper available to your church by request.)

Here’s a partial table of contents from this issue:

Editorial
From the Editor
Rhys Williams
pages i–iii

Forum—Racially and Ethnically Diverse Congregations
Introduction: Why a Forum on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Congregations?
MICHAEL O. EMERSON
pages 1–4

Bring Race to the Center: The Importance of Race in Racially Diverse Religious Organizations
KORIE L. EDWARDS
pages 5–9

Fluid Ethnicity and Ethnic Transcendence in Multiracial Churches
GERARDO MARTI
pages 11–16

Comparing Catholic and Evangelical Integration Efforts
KATHLEEN GARCES-FOLEY
pages 17–22

Posted by Nathan Bierma on 05/15 at 02:04 PM
Interdisciplinary Application • Leadership • Reading • World • Worshipping Communities • (0) Comments • Permalink

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