How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies, Volume 2 [Hardcover]

Arthur J. Magida (Editor), Stuart M. Matlins (Editor), Joan Brown Campbell (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 187904563X | ISBN-13: 978-1879045637 | Publication Date: January 1997 | Edition: 1

A straightforward guide to the rituals and celebrations of the major religions and denominations in America from the perspective of an interested guest of any other faith. The second in a two-volume set, the book is based on information obtained from authorities of each religion. It is not a guide to theology, nor is it presented from the perspective of any particular faith. These easy-to-use guidebooks help the well-meaning guest of any other faith to feel at ease, participate to the fullest extent possible, and avoid violating anyone's religious principles or hurting their feelings.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This work by Jewish Lights editors Matlins and Magida supplements Magida's How To Be a Perfect Stranger (LJ 1/96), which won the Benjamin Franklin award for best reference book of the year. Volume 1 discussed the larger religious groups in the United States, while Volume 2 covers smaller denominations and faiths, though most have more than 50,000 U.S. members. The groups include Baha'i, Foursquare Gospel, Unitarian Universalist, Sikh, and 13 others. Representatives from each answer such questions as "Am I expected to participate? Where do I sit? How do I address the clergy? What happens at weddings or funerals?" An essay instead of a question-and-answer format covers Native American religious traditions. Libraries that have found the first volume useful will want to purchase this as well.?Richard S. Watts, San Bernardino Cty. Lib., Cal.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American

[This] book couldn t have come at a better time....a welcome Stranger.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing; 1 edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 187904563X
• ISBN-13: 978-1879045637
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,445,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, May 22, 2010

By 

Linda Carter - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies, Volume 2 (Hardcover)

I bought this book as a continued version of Volume 1. The United States is becoming more culturally diverse, and with me working in Health Services, and being one of the ministers in my church, I find great satisfaction with the information these books provide. These books give me great insight regarding the religious practices, and customs of cultures other than my own
There are many people who are reluctant to form relationships with people outside their own cultures, or comfort zone, for fear of embarrassing others,or embarrassing themselves, by saying, or doing what might be deemed inappropriate. So the easy way for them is to just avoid the great opportunity of being enriched by the understanding of other cultures.
This book, along with Volume 1, gives an excellent review regarding the many customs of different religious practices including weddings, baptisms, and funerals, plus a description of their Dogma and Doctrine, what to do,and what to expect at their place of worship, etc.. There are many other religions out there, and Volumes 1 and 2 just scratch the surface. I can't wait for Volume 3.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Welcome Gift for Our Times, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies, Volume 2 (Hardcover)

Children of my generation were taught to be polite but not to attend a church or temple outside our denomination. What a tragedy. For all our assumed good manners we missed opportunities to broaden our understanding and thus, our appreciation, of others. In a true exercise of good manners, this book is an open door, a welcome gift, to come and appreciate the variety of worship there is today.