The author recounts his cross-country pilgrimage through America's religious sects and shares the insights he gained into how, what, and why Americans worship
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From Library Journal:
British journalist Ruthven brings an outsider's perspective to the American religious scene. The author traveled across the country, visiting such places as the Mormons' Nauvoo, the Nazi Church of Idaho, Bakker's Heritage USA, Falwell's Liberty University, and Merton's Gethsemani Abbey. Though admittedly more interested in the exotic than the mainstream, Ruthven weaves accurate historical information with firsthand observations, interviews, and his own analysis. Interestingly, he sees religious pluralism as vital to American democracy. "In normal times the regional, social and ideological divisions that could tear the nation apart find an outlet in religion." Politics remains stable unless a religious issue like abolition, prohibition, or abortion invades the public arena. A readable book with some fresh insights. Recommended.
- C. Robert Nixon, M.L.S., Lafayette, Ind.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherVINTAGE
- Publication date1991
- ISBN 10 0099817608
- ISBN 13 9780099817604
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages317
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Rating