World Religions in America: An Introduction - Softcover

Neusner Jacob

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0664253008 ISBN 13: 9780664253004

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr, 1994

Synopsis

Native American religions, Protestantism, Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and most other world religions have something in common: They are all practiced in America. Americans are religious people. We cannot fully understand America, says volume editor Jacob Neusner, without making sense of its diverse religious life. We need to understand what religion is thought to be, how it works, and why it matters to people. The contributors to this volume provide basic information about each religion, give its history, review the figures who founded it, and emphasize how each religion appeared in America. Throughout, concern is fiven to two questions: How does religion shape American life? and How does religion impact the political life of this country? Each chapter ends with questions for discussion, essay topics for further study, and a section that examines significant vocabulary in each tradition. This book will bring insight to the reader, ignite discussion, and allow an understanding of the many peoples and religions of America.

About this title

About the Author:

Jacob Neusner is Research Professor of Religion and Theology and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Theology, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. He is the author of Classics of Judaism: A Textbook and Reader and Judaism When Christianity Began as well as the co-editor of The Religion Factor: An Introduction to How Religion Matters—all available from Westminster John Knox Press.

From Library Journal:

In this work, whose format suggests a collection of essays instead of a standard textbook, each of 14 chapters is devoted to a religious group or topic and written by a prominent scholar in the field of religious studies. The scholars provide factual data concerning each religion or topic, as well as their personal observations, opinions, and conclusions, giving the student not only a well-informed introduction to religions in America but also a sense that these religions are alive, active, and relevant to one's and the world's well-being. Of special interest are the chapters on religion and its relationship to women, politics, and society in general. Every chapter ends with study questions, essay topics, word explorations, and a further reading list. Recommended for high school libraries and undergraduate college libraries.
- Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0664253008
• ISBN 13: 9780664253004
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 308