I enjoyed the opportunity to give a series of lectures at Tennessee Wesleyan in Athen, TN. The first, “The Place of Diversity in Contemporary U.S. Religion” drew from my award-winning book Parish and Place to understand the mutual role of generalist and specialist organizations as a way to achieve unity in diversity. The second, “Religious ‘Nones’ in the City” mapped the implications of declines in religious affiliation and service attendance for religious infrastructure (a.k.a., what happens with empty churches in the city?).

Thanks for the generous welcome from students, faculty, and local residents who filled the room and asked great questions!