Customer Reviews

Believers and Beliefs

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This is far more than just an etiquette book. White does a great job of providing an overview of all the world's major religions without requiring you to earn a degree in comparative religion. She gives a information about doctrinal beliefs, sacred texts, worship, dietary and dress restrictions, the role of women and children in the faith, etc. Next time someone you know of a different faith celebrates a life milestone (birth, marriage, death), you'll know how to respond. I was also happy to find a book that discussed the differences among the various denominations of Christianity. This is the first such book I've found in more than 2 years of searching. A very well-written, well-researched book that is easy to read and use. I highly recommend it!

America's spiritual complexion is changing so quickly - thecombined result of immigration, intermarriage, transience and"seekers" choosing new faiths - that one often needs a religious score card to tell the players at home or at work. Gayle Colquitt White offers just such a score card in Believers and Beliefs :A Practical Guide to Religious Etiquette for Business and Social Occasions (Berkley, New York).

Each chapter of Believers and Beliefs offers a brief history of the faith or denomination, along with the essentials of theology and doctrine and selected passages from sacred writings of each faith or denomination. There are also quick guides to holidays, dress, dietary laws, individual and community worship, the place of men and women. White includes information on conversion, a suggested reading list and material on births, weddings and funerals, which she calls "milestones."

Mark I. Pinsky Orlando Sentinel The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Ms. White has written a handy help for those who want to do the right thing in our multibelief world. Her guidebook covers the practices - social and sacramental - of 14 world religions and 14 Christian groups. She offers tips on etiquette in every chapter. So at the next back-yard barbecue, not only will you know not to pass the plate of pork ribs to your Jewish and Muslim guests, but you'll know, too, not to offer your Sikh friend a platter of kosher. He won't eat anything that has been prepared according to Jewish or Muslim religious law. - T.K.

The Dallas Morning News

Most Americans today live out their faith in a mulicultural - indeed, a multifaith -world. Understanding other groups' holidays, traditions, beliefs and practice is becoming more and more important.

Believers and Beliefs : A Practical Guide to Religious Etiquette for Business and Social Occasions (Berkley Books) provides an in-depth look at a cross-section of faiths. Written by Atlanta Journal-Constitution religion writer Gayle Colquitt White, the book is like a survival guide to the world of religion.

The way the book is organized, each chapter covers a specific group to enable readers to increase their awareness and sensitivity to other beliefs. With this volume, you'll never be at a loss - whether you're one of a handful of nonfamily members invited to a Shintowedding or sharing a table with Seventh-day Adventists and wondering about their dietary laws.

CECILE S. HOLMES, Houston Chronicle Religion Editor Houston Chronicle

Another useful and unusual businessbook is " Believers and Beliefs" (Berkley Books), by Gayle Colquitt White, religion writer for The Atlanta Journal and Constitution.

White got the idea for the book from her experience as a religion writer. When readers, friends and co-workers had etiquette/religion questions, she was the obvious source: My Jewish boss's father just died. Should I take food to his family? Can I take Communion at my friend's Catholic wedding? If you call a male Episcopal priest Father, what do you call a female priest?

Since her goal is understanding and practical knowledge, White focuses on everyday situations, such as religious holidays, weddings and funerals, addressing such issues as dress, conversation, roles of men and women and dietary laws.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune

How can these disconnected parents talk to their children about Christmas, Hanukkah and the other religious holidays that intersect in December? If you're looking for something that gives an overview of a variety of religious traditions, take a look at "Believers and Beliefs ." It was written by Gayle White, religion writer for The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, after eight years of getting asked questions by readers about other faiths.

SANDI DOLBEE The San Diego Union-Tribune

It began when a woman telephoned religion writer Gayle White to see if it was proper to take food to the home of her Jewish boss who had just died. Next, a neighbour stopped White to ask if she would be expected to take communion at her cousin's Catholic wedding. Then a co-worker dropped by her desk to see if she could explain why a Jehovah's Witness at his child's elementary school wouldn't come to class parties. White was used to answering the occasional religious question. But these came over a period of a few days and they all seemed to be etiquette-related.

It didn't take her long to see a pattern. Thus was born Believers And Beliefs : A Practical Guide To Religious Etiquette For Business And Social Occasions (Berkeley).

The book offers an overview of more than 25 religious faiths and includes etiquette tips. At the end of each chapter is a reference list for delving deeper.

Olivia Fortson, The Charlotte Observer The Toronto Star The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

those practical, live-with-and-love-your-neighbor questions are not found in the library reference texts. Until now.

White interviewed denominational leaders and professors. But she also went to the people in the pews to find out their good neighbor customs, especially for weddings and funerals. While she outlines each faith and Christian denomination's history, beliefs , practices and holidays, it's the good neighbor practices-that are most helpful.

Patricia Rice Post-Dispatch Religion Writer St. Louis Post-Dispatch

I picked up this book in the library in order to understand the religions of my co-workers that way I could be more sensitive to their holidays, gift givings, etc. In reading in my own religion, I am a Latter-Day Saint, the information is not accurate. It states in this book that only the General Authorities are full-time paid church workers. No. The General Authorities are full-time church workers but they are not paid. So, now I wonder how many other "facts" are inaccurate in the religions I know nothing about. Bad author! She should have done her homework. Robbin Nelson

I love this book and refer to it constantly. Everyone should own a copy to understand neighbors, friends, coworkers, the media, etc. It gives background information on many religions and religious customs in clear, easy-to-read language. My only suggestion is that the next edition should be more comprehensive, including Unitarian/Universalists (if it included U/U's, I would buy 50, since I am tired of explaining it to people and would give them as gifts). I would be happy to pay more for more information. Thanks for making the book available!

This book is a reliable summary of the beliefs and practices of many religions. My study group has used it, and I'm donating one to our church library.