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World Religions in America: An Introduction

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The third edition of `World Religions in America', edited by Jacob Neusner, expands the text to include 20 chapters about the various aspects of religious experience and practice in America. As there is always a danger in any one person reading too lightly over the religious practices of another written by yet another, I enlisted the assistance of several other readers for reactions to this text. Not being Orthodox, or Christian Scientist, or Muslim, I enlisted readers from each of these faith traditions to read the chapters relating to their religions for their response. Each reader rated the relevant section `very good' to `excellent'.

As I read over the various chapters, I found the style engaging, entertaining and enlightening. Most writers write from their experience, either direct or long-standing academic. Andrew Greeley, who writes on the Catholic experience, is himself a Roman Catholic. Jacob Neusner, the editor, also wrote the chapter on Judaism, and is himself a Jew. The contributors read like a who's who of modern religious studies scholarship, and include Sam Gill (Native American religions), Martin Marty (Protestantism), Peter J. Paris (African-American experience), Justo L. Gonzalez (Hispanic religious experience), Jaroslav Pelikan (Orthodox), Gerald James Larson (Hinduism), Malcolm David Eckel (Buddhism), Robert S. Ellwood (East Asian religions), John Esposito (Islam), Dell deChant (World Religions made in the USA), Danny Jorgensen (Scientology, Nature religions, and Mormonism), Mike McMullen (Baha'i), Elizabeth Fox-Genovese (Women in religion), and William Scott Green (religion and society). One might notice directly the scarcity of female contributors.

This book is meant to be a textbook for introductory world religion courses. As such, the chapters each end with study questions, essay topics, and word/vocabulary lists. There is a glossary in the back, as well as a useful index (always a plus!). The writing is accessible to any with a high school education, given that there is a minimum of jargon and technical terms, and such as is used gets clearly defined and highlighted in lists and again in the glossary.

Neusner writes in his introduction that there are four different ways of exploring other religions: exclusivist (my way is the right way and you are all wrong); inclusivist (my way is right for me and your way is right for you); pluralist (every religion tells us something true); and empathetic interest (the primary focus of this book - looking at the ways in which religions are interesting and important historically and culturally, but not looking for theological truth). Neusner contends that this book will have been successful to the reader if the reader is able to understand important aspects of other religions and appreciate the importance of those aspects for the other person if meeting someone of another religion. In America, that is likely to happen. Almost all religions of the world are represented among the population of America, and certainly all `world religions' are present.

Perhaps the one drawback of the text is that there is no section on who the authors are - usually a text of this sort will have at least a one-paragraph synopsis of the qualifications and background of the contributing authors, but none is to be found here.

Overall, this is an excellent introductory text to world religions as they manifest in America. It could be used for parish-based studies on other religions, in adult classes in churches or colleges, or as a basic text for undergraduate students or seminarians to broaden the perspective, not only of the religious experience abroad, but the religious experience right next door.

Anyone who wants to better understand world religions as they are practiced in America needs this book. So often religions are practiced differently from country to country, and I think this is especially true when it comes to America. We have a way of liberalizing the religions, so that when we travel abroad, we can be often amazed at the difference in styles and beliefs. Neusner takes writers from different points of view and allows them to give a quick history/background and sociological analysis of how the religions look here. (Don't expect these chapters--which usually are approx. 20 pages--to be the best overview of any of the religions. Choose another book for this purpose.) Sometimes their opinion is outright ridiculous. I'm still amazed at John Esposito's comment on page 173 that "Muslims worship the same God who is revered by Christians and Jews" as I know of no Christian, Jew, or Muslim for that matter who would agree--Trinity, anyone? But except for some comments like this--and there's more than one--the book does a good job with both world religions as well as the 19th century American religious movements like JWs, Mormons, and Christian Science. Overall, a very worthwhile book that ought to be studied by anyone interested in how religions are practiced.

This book is perfect for understanding the fundamentals of world religions in America, as the title suggests. It reads like any history book, mind you, yet the information on the various religions is more than fascinating. In a world of innumerable cultures and religions, it's essential to at least understand where the major religious groups are coming from, why Buddhists worship in temples, why Hindus place such an emphasis on art, and so on. I recommend this book to anyone interested in religion, and for those who are not, I still recommend it.

I am currently using this book as a textbook for my undergraduate course, "Religion in the United States." More than merely an introduction to world religions, this edited volume provides clear and understandable information about the beliefs and practices of a broad range of religions, with attention to the history and current circumstances of adherents in the United States. In an age of religious globalization, of increasing religious diversity, the need for understanding is a prerequisite to the sort of mutual respect that is urgently called for in our times. Neusner has assembled a distinguished group of scholars who do not talk down to students and who do not "dumb down" complex material. The study questions, bibliographical recommendations and key vocabulary are also helpful for review and further reading.

This item arrived in perfect condition and earlier than expected. Thank you for your prompt shipment.

I needed this book for a class. It was in perfect condition, is really easy to understand, and is not expensive at all. Great buy

The book covers all the right religions.
It is short and sweet on each chapter.
THere are good questions, and referal data to find additional info on the chapter's topic.

Good price and quick delievery, not too expenseive...

This book gives an open perspective on many different religions that are practiced around the world, but maintains a focus on the practices here in America. I definately recomend this book if you are interested in theology.

It has been a month and 5 days since I have ordered this book. I needed it for a college class and knew that I couldn't expect it for about three weeks. I still haven't received it, and I have emailed the seller to question whether or not he knew the whereabouts. I still haven't heard back from him and that was about a week ago. I don't know what to do at this point because the class is a month and a half in and I don't have money to pay for another book. I'm very disappointed and at the very least would like a refund.

Jacob Neusner's World Religions In America provides a revised, expanded edition of a classic introduction to world religions. From Judaism to Buddhism and Hispanic-American religion, this provides an important multicultural focus on religions across the country, assuming no prior familiarity and making for an easy introduction to a wide range of religious beliefs and practices. It's the multicultural focus which sets this apart from others.