Fossilized Faith by Aaron Reen, Nov 14, 2025. I have a review of sociologist Christian Smith’s important new book Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America in the new December issue of First Things magazine.
“As Smith writes, obsolescence doesn’t mean extinction”. .. religion is just “less relevant to mainstream society”. Smith and Renn make the case that the “method” (“fossilized forms”—of traditional religion) of communicating the message is certainly becoming less relevant.
The topic of obsolescence is a little surreal to me. The expectations from a belief in the Christian message are timeless. God is love; love is willing the good of others, followed by taking the appropriate actions.
In the American system of government, the responsibility of citizens is to work together toward that more perfect union, which includes providing products and services as employees, entrepreneurs, elected officials, business owners, and ministers, where everyone benefits or at least, is not any worse off.
Meeting expectations requires reducing variation from the ideals advertised through promotions, marketing, and electioneering.
In a different context, how many parents and guardians who love their kids do not take the action needed to do what they think is best for them? Who doesn’t like to be the recipient of a kind word or deed?
Excellent quality results from doing the right things (effectiveness) and doing them right (efficiency). How can the management of quality ever be “obsolete”? Some people may always associate their motivation to do good with a higher power (God or a God), and others won’t – nothing new or obsolete about that. What “method” produces the best results for everyone?
Quality Leadership 