The American Religious Experience: A Concise History / Edition 1

by Lynn Bridgers

Overview

The American Religious Experience offers a short, accessible introduction to American religious history by an award-winning writer. Recognizing the inter-denominational, inter-religious and multi-cultural perspectives that all contribute to the American religious landscape, this book explores the tension between the central, dominant streams of American Christianity and those groups relegated to the periphery. On the edges of the American mainstream we find the histories of groups rooted in visionary traditions, emotionalized forms of religious practice, and ever-expanding ethnic and racial perspectives. The complexity of the religious scene in the United States now, ongoing tensions between identity and diversity, and the many voices that inform American religious practice today grow directly out of the dynamic history that unfolds in these pages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742550599
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/19/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.18(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Lynn Bridgers is assistant professor of pastoral ministries and religious education at St. Thomas University in Miami and is author of Contemporary Varieties of Religious Experience.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 In Sun & Shadow Chapter 2 Calvin in New England Chapter 3 Piety in Pennsylvania Chapter 4 John Wesley & the Methodists Chapter 5 Jonathan Edwards, Congregationalism & the Evangelical Tradition Chapter 6 The Amish & the Mennonites Chapter 7 The Quakers & the Shakers Chapter 8 Bacon, Swedenborg & Transcendentalism Chapter 9 Catholic-Anti-Catholic Chapter 10 American Judaism Chapter 11 Anglican to Episcopal Chapter 12 Lutherans, Germans & Scandinavians Chapter 13 Evolution of the Black Church Chapter 14 Baptists & Baptism Chapter 15 Pentecostals & the Holiness Movement Chapter 16 The California Missions & the Hispanic Southwest Chapter 17 Raids, Ghosts & Renewal Chapter 18 Mormon Country Chapter 19 Gold Mountain Chapter 20 Pluralism & Periphery

Editorial Reviews

Imagine a history of religion in the United States which is both comprehensive and inclusive without being superficial, which is clear and readable without sacrificing historical scholarship and without 'dumbing down!' This is Lynn Bridger's The American Religious Experience. It is a stunning achievement!

Charles D. Hackett

Lynn Bridgers has produced a beautifully written and wonderfully inclusive study of America's multiple religious traditions in both their diverse origins and complex development. Always fair and judicious, this first-rate work will be of particular benefit as a supplementary text for college and advanced secondary students. The author's sensitivity to theological nuance and denominational difference is particularly impressive. This book deserves a wide readership.

Thomas Buckley

Engaging, readable survey of the American religious landscape, mapping of its major movements, and detailing of the multicultural religious free-for-all that has produced today's complexities, apt for classroom or general interest.

Russell E. Richey

Provides much life and color to the 'American religious landscape,' to use one of the author's favorite phrases. Students will find much here to inform and entertain them.

The Catholic Historical Review

Engaging, readable survey of the American religious landscape, mapping of its major movements, and detailing of the multicultural religious free-for-all that has produced today's complexities, apt for classroom or general interest.

Imagine a history of religion in the United States which is both comprehensive and inclusive without being superficial, which is clear and readable without sacrificing historical scholarship and without 'dumbing down!' This is Lynn Bridger's The American Religious Experience. It is a stunning achievement!

Lynn Bridgers has produced a beautifully written and wonderfully inclusive study of America's multiple religious traditions in both their diverse origins and complex development. Always fair and judicious, this first-rate work will be of particular benefit as a supplementary text for college and advanced secondary students. The author's sensitivity to theological nuance and denominational difference is particularly impressive. This book deserves a wide readership.

Provides much life and color to the 'American religious landscape, ' to use one of the author's favorite phrases. Students will find much here to inform and entertain them.

From the Publisher

Provides much life and color to the 'American religious landscape,' to use one of the author's favorite phrases. Students will find much here to inform and entertain them.

Catholic Historical Review