In this infographic, Joanne, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes some key points from Joel Thiessen's talk last November "Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem." To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...

Along with many demographic & social changes, “religious self-destructions” also played a role in #religion becoming obsolete. Among many examples, “religious scandals were not the straw but the log that broke the camel’s back” (p.243). Pp.229-48 detail many of these scandals. 1/2

227 pages in. Compelling analysis on many fronts, notably on social changes that unintentionally yet powerfully contributed to #religion being obsolete for a growing segment of society. Here are 10 ways that Smith suggests the #Digital #Revolution has been corrosive to religion (p.138-149)… 1/3

For #churches who believe the right #doctrinal ideas or #programs make all the difference: “Without taking into account the larger social structures & #cultural environments within which they operate, great ideas & programs themselves may accomplish little” (p.20). Simply put, #sociology matters.

Been on my shelf for awhile & now it’s time to crack it open & read. Next up …

Among the more insightful #books I’ve read in recent years. I strongly encourage you to join this free webinar, and encourage other #church and #denominational #leaders to do likewise!

(1/3) Elina, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes the following from last November's talk: "Joel Thiessen discussed the concept of religious transmission ecosystems in his guest lecture...

Thesis: “A listening, receptive & responsive heart is precisely what we need as a society & as individuals to lead successful individual lives & to enjoy a successful coexistence” (p.3). 1/4

Guest lecturing this week in a “#Christianity & #Media” course. My preparations brought me back to this feature article @calgaryherald.com in December 2008 on my research as a doctoral student … that article proved pivotal to many more media & public speaking engagements throughout my career since.

From left to right, my reading list through March as I prepare to chart out a new research project in summer 2026.

Enjoyed these books, notably the top one. I may write a lengthier reflection one day. For now, reminded again of a central claim in #theology & recurring observation in my #sociological work: qualitatively different way of ‘being’ for those who concede they are not in #control of their life, God is.

Recent article on #religion in #Canada from @jdl56.bsky.social. www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-lif...

Next up …

A fitting article as #Advent reaches its peak before Christmas.

Reading with others this month, which has turned into a thought provoking read during the advent season (for those who understand the fullness of what advent is … and is not).

No shortage of current events in Alberta to inform my #Sociology of #Education course design. I want students to develop robust evidence & reasons for thinking as they do. I'm even more interested in carefully exploring BOTH sides vs researching & reinforcing what they already believe to be true.

Amy, undergrad student assisting the IRCSF this term, highlights the following finding in this poster as particularly interesting from Joel Thiessen's talk last month at St. Jerome's University:

Discover how #Quebec’s historic #churches are being reimagined as vibrant public spaces in this article by Sam Victor, anthropologist and postdoctoral researcher at McGill University.

Latest report from @pewresearch.org "shows no clear evidence of a religious revival among young adults." www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/u...

Did you miss last week’s Flourishing Forward webinar with Angela Reitsma Bick, “The Spiritual Discipline of Deconstruction,” or wish to watch it again or share with others? You can access a recording of the half-hour event here. youtu.be/r-1JlbpaC9I

Brief appearance on @cbcradiocanada.bsky.social, "The Current" (episode: 22-46min mark) - "Gen Z's Return to Religion & Faith." My thoughts on the episode: (1) Pleasantly surprised to see lengthy & positive media coverage of #Christianity in #Canada. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

Listen to @cbcradio2.bsky.social tomorrow at 9am local across Canada where I'll make a very brief guest appearance on 'The Current,' discussing #religion & young people. www.cbc.ca/radio/thecur...

Let the new #Christian year begin! Using the book on the left to anchor this #advent season, though the book on the right is among the best ever that all Christians should read.

Great to be back at my alma mater, @uwaterloo.ca, where I completed my MA & PhD. Finally picked up our tie, to add to my regalia moving forward.

Thanks to the winter storm, did you miss my lecture last night @stjeromesuni.bsky.social @ircsf.bsky.social? Lucky for you, the great tech folks had you covered! It was a pleasure to spend the evening discussing religious transmission in #Catholic contexts. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh-l...

LOTS of enthusiasm in recent months on the reported religious revival among young people. Here's an article with links to different views. I'm far more cautious, as are many sociologists of religion I've spoken with ... and I think you should be too. www.premierchristianity.com/opinion/im-a...

Still time to register for this free hybrid event on Thursday: www.ticketfi.com/event/6532/l...

Join Angela Reitsma Bick, Editor of Christian Courier Magazine, for an interactive 45-minute webinar about her book Blessed are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada. *This webinar features a conversation with a church leader respondent, following the presentation.

Prepping for @stjeromesuni.bsky.social next week on a topic that should interest all church leaders & parents who care about passing religion on to the next generation. Exploring among Catholics w/application across Christian traditions. Register & join in person/online! uwaterloo.ca/st-jeromes/e...

Next up, in trio of books I’m reading on #virtues (two by Josef Pieper) & #vices.

Fascinating read while away for a few days to wrap reading week. Several themes related to my Sociology of Sport class including money, politics, power, rules, media, entertainment, environmental impact & debates about “pure” sport & who gets to decide & why. #Formula1

Been buried under some administration-related research & writing of late. Going to mix it up now, with a book I received for my birthday back in the summer, on a sport I follow (too) closely. #Formula1

Join us for our next free hybrid event with Joel Thiessen from Ambrose University titled “Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem.” 7:30pm-9pm EST on Nov. 27, 2025. Register to attend online or in-person the free event here: www.ticketfi.com/event/6532/l...

I'm looking forward to returning to my alma mater, @uwaterloo.ca, to deliver the Lectures in Catholic Experience @stjeromesuni.bsky.social on Nov.27 on religious transmission. If you're in the area, please join! Or you can register to join the livestream. uwaterloo.ca/st-jeromes/e...

Join Angela Reitsma Bick, Editor of Christian Courier Magazine, for an interactive 45-minute webinar about her book Blessed are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada. *This webinar features a conversation with a church leader respondent, following the presentation.

Prep for @sssreligion.bsky.social conference in Minneapolis, including manuscripts for 3 presentations … and maybe most importantly, attire for game 6 & 7 (if necessary). Go @bluejaysbot.bsky.social!

How hospitable are #congregations to #pastors? Find out in this insightful article by Margaret Clarke Counselling Department Head and Assistant Professor of Couple and Family Therapy at Briercrest College and Seminary.

Just released news article in @cdnaffairs.bsky.social, featuring yours truly along with good friends and colleagues at @nonreligioncf.bsky.social - www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/13/t...

Did you miss last week’s Flourishing Forward webinar with Ross Lockhart, “Minority Report: Christian Witness in a Secular City,” or wish to watch it again or share with others? You can access a recording of the half-hour event here.

Thoughtful piece in @calgaryherald.com by John Pentland. He invites us to use this question when dialoguing with those we disagree with: “Help me understand your point of view.” calgaryherald.com/life/christi...

Great article on some of the problems, explanations & possible paths forward regarding religious transmission. Though specific to Catholics, many areas of relevance beyond too. churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/a-s...

Join Ross Lockhart, Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall at the University of British Columbia, for an interactive half-hour webinar about his recently released book, West Coast Mission: The Changing Nature of Christianity in Vancouver. Attend this webinar to learn about how Christians are sharing the gospel.

Canadian opinion about the U.S. is at the lowest point since @pewresearch.org started asking in 2002. 34% of Canadians have a positive view of the United States, down 20 points since last year. www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/...

Excited to begin reading this new book, harkening back to research I did over a decade ago with ‘marginal affiliates’ & wrote about in my 2015 book, “The Meaning of Sunday.”

A word to the wise: “I have often regretted the things I have said, but I have never regretted my silence” (p.4). Makes me think of Proverbs 17:28 that it is better to be thought a fool than proven a fool.

How religion declines in Canada www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-lif... Story based on our paper www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Reading this next with some colleagues …

Book not what I expected. 3 insights. 1) FAITH rooted in belief in/of something unconditionally as real & true on the testimony of another, God. 2) HOPE grounded in humbly & fearfully acknowledging we’re created by & thus separate from God …

Join Ross Lockhart, Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall at the University of British Columbia, for an interactive half-hour webinar about his recently released book, West Coast Mission: The Changing Nature of Christianity in Vancouver. Attend this webinar to learn about how Christians are sharing the gospel.

Lots at the surface in the #world: politics, polarization, violence, religion, inequality, education, health, aging, environment & more. I'm thinking back to 2013 quotation from #Canada's PM: "this is not a time to commit sociology." It's always time to commit #sociology 😉 www.cbc.ca/news/politic...