Author : Anson Shupe
Publisher : University of Illinois Press
ISBN 13 : 0252092406
Total Pages : 187 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (52 download)
Book Synopsis Spoils of the Kingdom by : Anson Shupe
Download or read book Spoils of the Kingdom written by Anson Shupe and published by University of Illinois Press. This book was released on 2010-10-01 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Spoils of the Kingdom, Anson Shupe investigates clergy misconduct as it has recently unfolded across five faith-based groups. Looking at episodes of abuse in the Roman Catholic, Mormon, African American Protestant, white Evangelical Protestant, and First Nations communities, Spoils of the Kingdom tackles hard questions not only about the sexual abuse of women and children, but also about economic frauds perpetrated by church leaders (including embezzlement, mis-represented missions, and outright theft) as well as cases of excessively authoritarian control of members’ health, lifestyles, employment, and politics. Drawing on case evidence, Shupe employs classical and modern social exchange theories to explain the institutional dynamics of clergy misconduct. He argues that there is an implicit contract of reciprocity and compliance between congregants and religious leaders that, when amplified by the charismatic awe often associated with religious authorities, can lead to misconduct.