The Religious Dimensions of Shared Space: When and How Religion Matter in Space Sharing Arrangements.
Paul Numrich categorizes his book as an effort to show how religion matters in the field of sociology . In exploring the religious dynamics on space-sharing arrangements, he asks what difference does being religious make? What invested meaning is there in “sacred spaces” and how is it used? How and why do different faith communities enter into rental arrangements? What can religious and secular space sharers learn from each other? These spaces include churches hosting congregations of different denominations, synagogues renting to community organizations, and interfaith centers where multiple religious traditions operate side by side. With an open and honest approach, Numrich employs ethnographic methods, including participant observation and interviews with clergy, congregants, and community leaders. This gives multiple layers to his analysis and ensures that the voices of those directly involved in space-sharing arrangements are up front and center. Through his use of case ...