Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs in America

by Gurinder Singh Mann, Paul Numrich, Raymond Williams

Overview

Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs in America explores the challenges that Asian immigrants face when their religion--and consequently culture--is "remade in the U.S.A." Peppered with stories of individual people and how they actually live their religion, this informative book gives an overview of each religion's beliefs, a short history of immigration--and discrimination--for each group, and how immigrants have adapted their religious beliefs since they arrived. Along the way, the roles of men and women, views toward dating and marriage, the relationship to the homeland, the "brain drain" from Asia of scientists, engineers, physicians, and other professionals, and American offshoots of Asian religions, such as the Hare Krishnas and Transcendental Meditation (TM), are discussed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190450410
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/03/2007
Series:	Religion in American Life
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	633 KB

Editorial Reviews

Religion is considered a topic to avoid in social conversations, yet religious belief is central to the lives of many. In fact, religion plays a major role in American history and continues as a crucial part of the nation's culture. The seventeen-volume Religion in American Life series, three volumes of which are reviewed here, aims to "explore the evolution, character, and dynamics of religion in American life from 1500 to the end of the [twentieth] century." With the exception of Native American religions, religious beliefs in America were imported. In Immigration and American Religion, Joselit provides a historical overview of the Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish experiences and briefly touches on other religions. In Religion in Twentieth Century America, Balmer traces America's religious experience through the twentieth century, a period that saw a growing diversity of beliefs. Both volumes cover so much information that the presentation seems encyclopedic without providing much depth. In contrast, Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs in America has the space to take more leisurely looks at these faiths. In addition to recounting events related to the history of these religions in the United States, specific beliefs are explained with descriptions of how adherents practice their faiths within the context of American culture. All three books present their information clearly and objectively in workmanlike fashion. Because they read like expanded encyclopedia articles, they would not be the first choices for young people trying to define their personal beliefs. Their objective yet sympathetic portrayals of people of faith, however, are recommended highly for those doing research. Index. Photos.Further Reading. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P J S (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Oxford University Press, 160p. PLB
— Libby Bergstrom

VOYA

Gr 7 Up-This series title focuses on the challenges people faced when adapting to American culture and their response to prejudice, both personal and institutional. Each religion receives three chapters in which the authors blend a history of the adherents in the U.S., a look at their beliefs and how those ideas and practices were challenged or altered as first-generation followers tried to pass their traditions on to succeeding generations, and biographical anecdotes. Little-known aspects of American life and jurisprudence are pointed out as well, such as the laws that prevented Asians from immigrating to the U.S. and others that prevented immigrants already here from becoming citizens or owning land. Ritual practices are detailed, often in the form of adherents' biographies, as are related architectural motifs and holiday celebrations. The dry writing is tempered somewhat by the anecdotal material and occasional sidebars. Numerous, captioned black-and-white photographs are scattered throughout. This title provides a succinct yet full introduction to these groups that are little understood in the U.S., and occasional references to American converts to Hinduism and Buddhism supply a link to the wider culture.-Coop Renner, Moreno Elementary School, El Paso, TX Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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