A New Religious America: How a "Christian Country" Has Become the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation

Rating:
Summary: Please don't call this liberal
Review: This is not a work of liberalism. It is a sentimental expression of far-left ideologies in which a disturbingly uncritical celebration of diversity borders on a kind of smiley-face nihilism. No genuine scholar would ever be able to address such a topic as broad as religious pluralism without uncovering problematic, even worrisome issues. Its hard to escape the conclusion that Eck picked her subjects knowing that they would be the most inoffensive, non-controversial representatives of their corresponding religions. Where are the fire and brimstone types? It may be uncomfortable to admit but the 'intolerant' followers of a faith often give us the best view of what a religion is at its orthodox core. She also completely fails to address fundamental issues such as loss of individual freedoms, subjugation of women, homophobia and intolerance for other faiths which characterize many, if not most religions. This purely anecdotal work is like a band-aid covering the blood-stained, intolerant histories of many of the world's major religions. It is disturbing therefore that so many readers find this to be well researched and are so uncritical as to accept her shallow presentation of the issue as an authoritative treatise. Perhaps her status as a Harvard professor makes palatable would not even be deemed worthy of publication if it came from an educational institution of lesser status.

Rating:
Summary: A Truly excellent and informative book
Review: This is one of the best books on religion in America I have ever read. This author focuses on Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, who have been growing quickly in recent years. In the past decades mosques & temples have been poping up all over, even in the most Christian parts of this country. The author gives a good history on how the religion was established here, and its growth. Her view into the daily lives of these people was fascinating. I am truly inspired how these religious people, hold true to their values, along with American values at the same time.

Rating:
Summary: Best non fiction
Review: While this book is brimming with fascinating history, anecdotes and facts about immigration and religion in the U.S., it is bogged down in repetition. Ms. Eck repeats her central thesis and numerous feel-good phrases ad nauseum. The first two chapters should have been condensed into one. Otherwise good reading for those interested in fostering mutual understanding and a strong civic union in an increasingly pluralistic society. Bit surprised that Harvard couldn't do a better job on editing.