How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook

A straightforward guide to the rituals and celebrations of the major religions and denominations in the United States and Canada helps the well-meaning guest feel at ease when visiting other people's religious ceremonies, participate to the fullest extent possible, and avoid violating anyone's religious principles or hurting their feelings.

This easy-to-use fourth edition is updated and revised with the latest membership statistics on the various faith traditions, an expanded glossary of religious terms and an all new section on popular religious symbols. It also includes the "Everything You Need to Know Before You Go" checklist.

In today's diverse North American society we often are invited--through family, friends or business contacts--to religious ceremonies or services that are not of our own tradition or faith. Entering this unfamiliar atmosphere can be awkward....
What will happen?
What do I do?
What do I wear?
What do I say?
What should I avoid doing, wearing, saying?
What are their basic beliefs?
Should I bring a gift?
When is it okay to leave?

These are just a few of the basic, very practical questions answered in How to Be a Perfect Stranger. Based on information obtained directly from each of the religions and denominations, this indispensable handbook helps the well-meaning guest of any other faith to feel comfortable, participate to the fullest extent possible and avoid violating anyone's religious principles or hurting their feelings.

This book helps turn the "strange" into the less confusing (but not the ordinary). Most of all, it enables the invited "stranger" to truly appreciate the experience, and enrich their own spiritual understanding.