Religion In America: A Very Short Introduction

Product Description

It's hard to think of a single aspect of American culture past or present in which religion has not played a major role The roles religion plays moreover become more bewilderingly complex & diverse every day For all those who want-whether out of curiosity necessity or civic duty-a vivid picture & fuller understanding of the current reality of religion in America this Very Short Introduction is the go-to book they need Timothy Beal describes many aspects of religion in contemporary America that are typically ignored in other books on the subject including religion in popular culture & counter-cultural groups; the growing phenomenon of "hybrid" religious identities both individual & collective; the expanding numbers of new religious movements or NRMs in America; & interesting examples of "outsider religion" such as Paradise Gardens in Georgia & the People Love People House of God in Ohio He also offers an engaging overview of the history of religion in America from Native American traditions to the present day Beal sees three major forces shaping the present & future of religion in America first unprecedented religious diversity which will continue to grow in the decades to come; second the information revolution & the emergence of a new network society; & third the rise of consumer culture Taken together these forces offer the potential to create a new American pluralism that would enrich society in unimaginable ways but they also threaten the great ideal of e pluribus unum With visual aids that help readers navigate America's diverse religious landscape this informative thoughtful & provocative book is a must-read in the emerging public conversation concerning religion in America ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable