American Religious Leaders

"Founded on the principle of religious pluralism, the United States comprises scores of religious traditions. Although the spiritual lives of most Americans throughout the nation's history are private and undocumented, an examination of the lives and influence of American religious leaders offers insights into the religious heritage of the United States. The men and women profiled in this book felt impelled variously to preach, to found schools or other institutions, or to debate the relationship between church and government in the observance of their spiritual convictions. In the process, they spread their ideas and shaped the religious thinking of generations of their fellow Americans. American Religious Leaders highlights the lives and achievements of more than 270 individuals who became important spiritual leaders, such as John Cotton, Father Damien, Mary Baker Eddy, Billy Graham, Rebecca Gratz, Sun Myung Moon, Elijah Muhammad, Tenskwatawa, and many other influential men and women." "Any reader with an interest in U.S. religious history will welcome this book. It features an introduction, glossary, general bibliography, two subject indexes that list entries by the subject's religious affiliation and year of birth, a comprehensive index, and nearly 60 photographs depicting prominent individuals."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.