From School Library Journal

YA?A two-volume set that outlines the varied and numerous philosophies, personalities, social issues, and cultural history of religious practices within this country. This is a most valuable reference tool, as its briskly written entries are complemented with 120 black-and-white illustrations, and it includes both a general subject and synoptic index. The work is also an important one because of its balanced coverage of topics routine and controversial. Each denomination and sect is given a historical perspective, and the general doctrines of each faith are given clear, succinct treatment. Queen is careful to include contemporary trends and divisive topics to keep his factual representation honest. Homosexuality, healing, New Age philosophy, abortion, televangelists, and other topics of current interest are given fair and objective coverage. Concise biographies of hundreds of individuals influential to America's religious make-up are also included, from Jonathan Edwards to Billy Graham. The readable text is heavily cross-referenced, and makes a fitting complement to other standard resources.?Carol Beall, Immanuel Christian School, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Queen (religion and philosophy, Indiana Univ.), Stephen R. Prothero (philosophy, Georgia State Univ.), and Gardiner H. Shattuck (Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island) have provided a much-needed resource for students of America's religious history from pre-Colonial times to the present. Reflecting the diversity of religion in America, this work includes topics on Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and alternative religions, as well as Christianity. The articles are well researched and authoritative, yet they occasionally seem to reveal the mind of the author. However, the only current reference work comparable in scope and depth is the three-volume Encyclopedia of the American Religious Experience (Scribner, 1988. o.p.). However, while that work consists of long topical articles in thematic chapters, this reference is comprised of articles of varying lengths arranged alphabetically. Thus, this work is suited to curious readers who wish to dip in here and there for information about people, denominations, issues, and movements that have played a part in the religious history of the nation. Libraries that have the Encyclopedia of the American Religious Experience should also add these volumes to their collections.
Craig W. Beard, Univ. of Alabama Lib., Birmingham
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.