Religions of Immigrants from India and Pakistan: New Threads in the American Tapestry

by Raymond Brady Williams

Overview

In 1965, landmark changes in the immigration law admitted to the United States large numbers of Indians and Pakistanis. Williams' book is the first comprehensive study of the religious groups formed in the United States by immigrants from India and Pakistan, of the adaptive and organizational patterns developed by these groups, and of their continuing influence on the fabric of American religion and culture. Through analysis of demographic statistics and information gathered in interviews, the book provides an overview of the variety of religions practiced by Indian and Pakistani Americans, the size of these religious groups, and the range of ecumenical, ethnic, sectarian, and national organizations. Case studies of groups in Chicago and Houston demonstrate differing growth patterns in metropolitan areas, while detailed descriptions of Swaminarayan Hindus and Nizari Ismaili Muslims illustrate a range of approaches to the difficulties of assimilation into American society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521351560
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/26/1988
Pages:	340
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.83(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; Part I. The People and Their Religions: 1. A new pattern: made in the USA; 2. The religions: Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism; 3. The religions: Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism; Part II. Studies of Adaptive Strategies: 4. Their American cousins: adaptation of cultural groups; 5. Swaminarayan Hinduism: an ethnic religion; 6. Nizari Ismaili Muslims: a religious minority; Part III. Profiles of Religious Organizations in Metropolitan Areas: 7. Asian-Indian and Pakistani religions in Chicago; 8. Asian-Indian and Pakistani religions in Houston; Conclusion; Notes; Glossary; List of abbreviations; References; Index.