The Religions of Canadians

Canadians usually think of their religious culture as an extension of that of the United States. In fact, it has developed quite differently with several distinctive emphases. Scott's The Religions of Canadians has finally broken through to give us a rich and vigourous picture of this religious life. Stressing the concept of religious community, the book is less concerned with dogma and more with structures of living and working together. Benefiting from some of the leading scholars in Canadian religion, this book gives us genuine insights into the way our deeper lives have been configured, why they have taken this form, and how Canadian culture can be considered distinctive. And it is a fine book both for the casual reader and for the student. -- Earle Waugh, University of Alberta

The Religions of Canadians draws on the expert knowledge and personal insights of scholars in history, the social sciences, and the phenomenology of religion to introduce the beliefs and practices of nine religious traditions.

The Religions of Canadians is a book about religions and the making of Canada. Drawing on the expert knowledge and personal insights of scholars in history, the social sciences, and the phenomenology of religion, separate chapters introduce the beliefs and practices of nine religious traditions, some mainstream, some less familiar.

The opening chapter explores how Aboriginal Canadian traditions continue to thrive after centuries of oppression. Subsequent chapters follow in the footsteps of Catholic and Protestant Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Baha'is as they have made their way to Canada, and reveal how different immigrant communities have adapted their rich religious heritages to a new life in a new land. Each chapter is divided into five sections: an introduction; a succinct overview of the tradition; its passage to and transformation in Canada; a close study of contemporary Canadian communities; and an afterword suggesting possibilities for future research. Chapters conclude with a list of important terms and dates, related websites, a concise bibliography of further readings, and key questions for reflection.

The Religions of Canadians is a timely and unique contribution to the field, introducing readers to the religions of the world while simultaneously building an overall picture of the development of Canada's multicultural, pluralist society.