The American Religious Experience: A Concise History

(Paperback)

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Description

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.

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, Graduate Division of Religion, Emory University
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, SJ, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
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. -- Russell E. Richey, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Author Bio

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.