PDF Unfinished Business: Racial Equality in American History (Inalienable Rights) by Michael J. Klarman in History

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 and diverse every day. For all those who want--whether out of curiosity; necessity; or civic duty--a vivid picture and 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 and counter-cultural groups; the growing phenomenon of "hybrid" religious identities; both individual and collective; the expanding numbers of new religious movements; or NRMs; in America; and interesting examples of "outsider religion;" such as Paradise Gardens in Georgia and 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 and future of religion in America: first; unprecedented religious diversity; which will continue to grow in the decades to come; second; the information revolution and the emergence of a new network society; and 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; and provocative book is a must-read in the emerging public conversation concerning religion in America.About the Series: Combining authority with wit; accessibility; and style; Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer; they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics; from philosophy to Freud; quantum theory to Islam.