AMERICA:RELIGIONS+RELIGION [Paperback]

Since its first publication in 1981, AMERICA: RELIGIONS AND RELIGION has become the standard introduction to the study of American religious traditions. Written by one of the foremost scholars in the field of American religions, this textbook has introduced thousands of students to the rich religious diversity that has always been a hallmark of the American religious experience. Beginning with native American religious traditions and following the course of America's religious history up to the present day, this text gives students the benefit of the author's extensive, influential scholarship in a clear manner that has proven to be readily accessible for today's undergraduates. This long-awaited new edition explores a variety recent events and developments, including increasing religious pluralism, recent religious change among Native Americans, the development of Islam in America, Jewish renewal and post-ethnic Judaism, the emergent church movement among liberal evangelicals, the expanded role of women in Catholic communities, and the growth of new spirituality. Preface to the First and Second Editions. Preface to the Third Edition. Preface to the Fourth Edition. Introduction An Elephant in the Dark. Defining Religion. Religion and Boundaries. Two Kinds of Religion. Components of a Religious System. A Short Description of Religion. Finding American Religion. Many Religions and One Religion. More about Boundaries. A Short Tour of American Religious History in the Text. In Overview. Part I: MANYNESS: THE ORIGINAL CAST. 1. Original Manyness: Tradition and Change among Native Americans. Native American Diversity. Common Characteristics in Religion. Differences in Native American Religious Traditions. The Oglala. The Hopi. Change in Native American Traditions. In Overview. 2. Israel in a Promised Land: Jewish Religion and Peoplehood. The Jewish Immigrations. Jewishness and Peoplehood. Judaism as Biblical Religion. Jewish Tradition and the Consecration of Time. ThelÓß