In this course we will examine in detail the history and
contemporary situation of four major religious communities that
originated in the United States and have risen to prominence both in
our nation and elsewhere. The four religious communities are the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (i.e. the Mormons), the
Church of Christ Scientist (the Christian Scientists), the
Pentecostal movement (in its diverse expressions), and the Jehovah’s
Witnesses. Attention will be given to the successes of these
communities, the particulars of their religious beliefs and
practices, their unique scriptures, and the contemporary situations
in which they find themselves.  The class will include field trips
to the worshiping communities and also guest speakers from the
communities. Evaluation will be based on two exams and a research
paper.
Text include: Paul K. Conkin, American Originals: Homemade Varieties
of Christianity; Richard N. and Joan K. Ostling, Mormon America: The
Power and The Promise; Rennie B. Schoepflin, Christian Science on
Trial: Religious  Healing in America; Grant Wacker, Heaven Below:
Early Pentecostals and American Culture; and M. James Penton,
Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah’s witnesses.