Current Course Offering

The Spring 2026 Messinger-Williams Family Community Education Initiative
at Hood Theological Seminary
A free educational opportunity, open to all
Book cover of The Vanishing Church

Many people assume evangelicals are Republican, Democrats aren't religious, and moderate Christians no longer exist. But that wasn't always true. In the 1980s, evangelicals were just as likely sit beside a Democrat as a Republican at church.

What changed?

In his groundbreaking book, The Vanishing Church, data scientist Ryan Burge reveals:

  • how religious polarization reshaped America and caused many to leave church,
  • why faith became an identity in the culture wars,
  • the hidden truth that Americans are more moderate than the media suggests,
  • why polarization in our churches affects all aspects of social connection and community, and
  • a path forward for churches to bridge political divides.

This book reveals how political polarization transformed American Christianity over the past fifty years and why this divide impacts every aspect of society. Drawing on extensive data, Burge shows how churches that embraced conservative politics during the culture wars drove away millions of moderate and liberal Christians, hollowing out congregations that once bridged political divides.

Burge makes a compelling case that America needs churches now more than ever—not as political battlegrounds but as spaces where people of different backgrounds and beliefs can come together. Blending personal stories with rigorous, up-to-date research, The Vanishing Church offers hope that faith communities can help heal our divisions and restore the common ground essential for democracy to thrive.

The Fall 2025 Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative will be devoted
to a five-week study of The Vanishing Church, beginning April 13.
Participation Options
Read independently

Use distributed reading guides to work through The Vanishing Church on your own.

Organize a discussion group

Use distributed reading guides to explore The Vanishing Church with co-workers, congregants, neighbors, family, and friends.

Join a discussion group

Join a discussion group led by Trevor Eppehimer of Hood Theological Seminary that meets one hour per week during the course of the study. Discussion groups are now being formed at the following places and times:

  • Mondays 12noon-1:00pm EST on Zoom (4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, and 5/11)
  • Tuesdays 12noon-1:00pm at First United Methodist Church (Salisbury NC) (4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, and 5/12)
  • Wednesdays 11:00am-12noon at First Presbyterian Church (Salisbury NC) (4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, and 5/13)
  • Fridays 12noon-1:00pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Salisbury NC) (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, and 5/15)
  • Fridays 1:30pm-2:30pm at Trinity Oaks Retirement Community (Salisbury NC) (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, and 5/15) (CURRENTLY FULL)
Reading Schedule
Session One (April 13-17)
1. “No Place for Doubters,” pp. 1-10.
2. “Evangelicals,” pp. 13-30.
3. “Mainline Protestants,” pp. 31-47.
Session Two (April 20-24)
4. “American Catholics,” pp. 48-69.
5. “The Nones,” pp. 70-93.
Session Three (April 27-May 1)
6. “The Great Reversal,” pp. 97-121.
7. “How the 1990s Paved the Way,” pp. 122-138.
Session Four (May 4-8)
8. “How Religion Became a Tribal Identity,” pp. 139-162.
9. “How Polarized Are We, Really?” pp. 165-180.
Session Five (May 11-15)
10. “Not All Is Lost,” pp. 181-205.
Epilogue, pp. 207-210.
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The Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative at Hood Theological Seminary is an extension of the Hood Theological Seminary’s Messinger and Williams Family Chair in Theology and Ethics. Its mission is to facilitate explorations of topics related to ethics, community, faith, and meaning-in-life for the general public. Courses are free and open to all.

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