After Heaven

This is a study of American spiritual evolution since the 1950s. Using in-depth interviews and a range of resource material, the author shows how Americans, from teenagers to senior citizens, define their spiritual journeys. The author's findings reflect the changes in beliefs and lifestyles that have occurred over time.

The book reconstructs the social and cultural reasons for an emphasis on a spirituality of "dwelling" (house of worship, denominations, neighbourhoods) during the 1950s and then the move to a spirituality of "seeking" in the 1960s. Attempts to reassert spiritual discipline are examined, along with encounters with the sacred and the development of the inner-self.

The final chapter discusses a spirituality of "practice" - an alternative for people who are uncomfortable within a single religious community. The diversity of modern American culture is also considered, looking at Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Native Americans, as well as followers of occult practices, new age religions, and other eclectic groups.

After Heaven provides an insightful exploration into these shifts, weaving together individual stories and broader social trends to illuminate the complex tapestry of American spiritual life.