Religion in the United States –– and California in particular –– is an ever-changing entity. Currently, two important aspects of religious change are the focus of much attention and discussion. They include "religion à la carte," or the combining of beliefs, symbols, and practices; and the progressive religious movement, or commitment to social justices and other concerns.
Wade Clark Roof, the J.F. Rowny Professor of Religion and Society at UC Santa Barbara, will address both themes and examine their differences and similarities in a talk titled "Religion in California: Progressive Movements and Religion à la Carte" on Tuesday, April 6.
Part of the UCSB Affiliates Spirituality and Culture series, the talk will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance St. in Santa Barbara. It will be preceded by a reception at 7 p.m. Cost is $8 for UCSB Affiliates and Chancellor's Council members, and $10 for all others. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Office of Community Relations at 893-4388.
Roof, who is also director of UCSB's Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion, and Public Life, is a leading sociologist of American religion. His current research involves religious pluralism and civic culture, progressive religious voices in the United States, and generations and religious change.
The author of several books, including "Pluralism and Civil Society," Roof earned his Ph.D. in sociology at the University of North Carolina. Prior to joining the Department of Religious Studies at UCSB, he served on the faculties at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Duke University, UC Berkeley, and Yale Divinity School.
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