"Jerome Baggett has taken a searching look at Habitat for Humanity(R). Along with striking success he has found significant problems arising from differences in social class between volunteers and homeowners, the impingement of the market, and the individualism of the volunteer culture. His book is a major contribution to the self-understanding of Habitat and of religious volunteer groups in America ... Read moregenerally. Those interested in civil society and the public role of religion will find this book indispensable." -Robert N. Bellah, co-author of Habits of the Heart "This is an excellent book on Habitat for Humanity(R)-its vision, its appeal to volunteers, its construction of 'real religion.' Baggett brings to this analysis a theoretical grasp of the role of parachurch organizations, an appreciation for how building houses can take on religious and civic meaning for volunteers, and a sensitivity to the many Americans today looking for ways to become engaged in a hands-on, service-oriented activity. The book is both informative and a genuine pleasure to read." -Wade Clark Roof, J.F. Rowny Professor of Religion and Society, University of California at Santa Barbara "Jerome Baggett's Habitat for Humanity(R) is an original and ground-breaking sociological study. In this first in-depth sociological investigation of Habitat for Humanity(R), Baggett also provides keen insights into voluntarism and faith-based special purpose groups which engage in social service. He asks: How does faith embrace and challenge our common citizen ideals? For, as the subtitle of the book suggests, building public religion should also get linked to our public citizenship together." -John A. Coleman, S.J., Casassa Professor of Social Values, Loyola Marymount University, and author of Public Discipleship: Para-Church Groups and Citizenship "In describing the history, accomplishments, and popularity of Habitat for Humanity(R), Jerome Baggett has produced a significant contribution to our understanding of religion and volunteering in America. Compared with the downward trend that characterizes so many civic organizations, Habitat for Humanity(R) has been remarkably successful in attracting a growing number of participants. Baggett shows us some of the reasons why, especially the importance of social organization that is flexible, pragmatic, specialized, and rooted in broad nonsectarian religious values." -Robert Wuthnow, Princeton University, author of Loose Connections: Joining Together in America's Fragmented Communities "In this engaging book, Jerome Baggett uses the case of Habitat for Humanity to shed empirical light on religion's relationship to civic participation... I recommend this well written, engaging book to all with an interest in the sociology of the voluntary sector and parachurch organizations." - Sociology of Religion "...an excellent qualitative analysis of Habitat for Humanity and lessons this faith-based organization can teach other grassroots organizations." -Journal of the American Planning Association Show Less