A concise introduction to the great variety of groups and activities that make up the American religious picture in the 1990s. The text presents the academic study of religion within the context of the humanities, discussing religion in a spirit of mutual exploration and learning.
A solid book for a Religion in America survey. It suffers from a lack of a chapter on civil religion. I mean COME ON. Also, Native American traditions deserve their own chapter, and the NRM section is inadequate. Likewise, the chapter on controversies & violence is inadequate.
I highly dislike many of the discussion questions, which often ask about opinions, which are potentially offensive & inappropriate for public classroom. I'm not about to ask my students to discuss whether they believe same-sex marriage or abortion SHOULD be legal or SHOULD be permitted in their religious traditions.
I read this book as part of a college course, my final semester prior to graduation. It was perfect timing. In this book the author goes through various religions and lists the cornerstones of the belief system and then also describes important rituals, holiday celebrations, etc.