A Mosaic of Believers: Diversity and Innovation in a Multiethnic Church

by Gerardo Marti

Overview

Mosaic in southern California is one of the largest and most innovative multiethnic congregations in America. Gerardo Marti shows us how this unusual church has achieved multiethnicity, not by targeting specific groups, but by providing multiple havens of inclusion that play down ethnic differences. He reveals a congregation aiming to reconstruct evangelical theology, personal identity, member involvement, and church governance to create an institution with greater relevance to the social reality of a new generation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253203434
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	10/26/2009
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Gerardo Marti is L. Richardson King Assistant Professor of Sociology at Davidson College and author of Hollywood Faith: Holiness, Prosperity, and Ambition in a Los Angeles Church.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Multiethnic Churches, Mosaic, and Social Change
2. Describing Mosaic
3. History, Agency, and Evangelicalism: A Reconstruction of Ideology
4. The Hollywood Connection and the Management of Artistic Talent: A Reconstruction of Involvement
5. Innovation and the Cultivation of Catalytic Leaders: A Reconstruction of Imperative
6. Mosaic and the Emerging American Culture: A Reconstruction of an Institution
7. Becoming a Mosaic of Believers: A Reconstruction of Identity
Conclusion
Appendix A. Methodological Considerations from a Religious Insider
Appendix B. Women and Leadership at Mosaic
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"Marti's insightful reflections on these issues at Mosaic will help observers of other groups as well."—Nova Religio

"Engagingly and accessibly written, this excellent book deserves wide readership among everyone interested in US religion, ethnicity, organizations and urban culture."—Choice

"A very thoughtful, unique contribution [that] edges us forward in our understanding of the interethnic religious experience [that] will stimulate researchers . . . to forge ahead in their quest to understand this important social phenomenon."—Review of Religious Research

"Gerardo Marti. . . argues that racial and ethinic identities are fluid and negotiated and that interracial churches can successfully create a model of 'ethnic transcendence' in which a common identity as Christian transcends specific racial or ethnic identities.1/13/09"—Peter W Marty, Senior Pastor, St Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport Iowa, host of the radio program "Grace Matters"

From the Publisher

Marti's insightful reflections on these issues at Mosaic will help observers of other groups as well.

Nova Religio

Engagingly and accessibly written, this excellent book deserves wide readership among everyone interested in US religion, ethnicity, organizations and urban culture.

Choice

Gerardo Marti. . . argues that racial and ethinic identities are fluid and negotiated and that interracial churches can successfully create a model of 'ethnic transcendence' in which a common identity as Christian transcends specific racial or ethnic identities.1/13/09

Senior Pastor, St Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport Iowa, host of the radio program "Grace Matters" - Peter W Marty

A very thoughtful, unique contribution [that] edges us forward in our understanding of the interethnic religious experience [that] will stimulate researchers . . . to forge ahead in their quest to understand this important social phenomenon.

Review of Religious Research

"Gerardo Marti... argues that racial and ethinic identities are fluid and negotiated and that interracial churches can successfully create a model of 'ethnic transcendence' in which a common identity as Christian transcends specific racial or ethnic identities." —Peter W Marty, Senior Pastor, St Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport Iowa, host of the radio program "Grace Matters", Christian Century, 1/13/09

— Peter W Marty, Senior Pastor, St Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport Iowa, host of the radio program "Grace Matters"

Christian Century