
American Examples, Vol 5
New Conversations About Religion
University Alabama Press
Published on 15. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
978-0-8173-6257-7 (ISBN)
Description
Redefines American religion through bold case studies and fresh theoretical approaches
American Examples: New Conversations about Religion, Volume 5 continues the groundbreaking series from the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama. Edited by Rachel E. C. Beckley, Jacob Lassin, Andrew Klumpp, and Michael J. Altman, this volume features seven innovative essays that challenge conventional understandings of religion in America.
From the sacred choreography of HBCU majorette dance to the spiritual significance of Korean American supermarket chain H Mart, and from evangelical summer camps to metaphysical theories of energy and oil, these essays explore "something someone called religion, somewhere someone called America." Drawing on interdisciplinary methods—Black studies, queer theory, performance studies, and more—this collection reimagines how religion is practiced, embodied, and theorized across diverse American contexts. Volume 5 not only expands the boundaries of American religious history but also highlights the work of emerging scholars pushing the field forward. Accessible and thought provoking, this anthology is essential reading for students and scholars of religion, race, gender, and American culture.
American Examples: New Conversations about Religion, Volume 5 continues the groundbreaking series from the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama. Edited by Rachel E. C. Beckley, Jacob Lassin, Andrew Klumpp, and Michael J. Altman, this volume features seven innovative essays that challenge conventional understandings of religion in America.
From the sacred choreography of HBCU majorette dance to the spiritual significance of Korean American supermarket chain H Mart, and from evangelical summer camps to metaphysical theories of energy and oil, these essays explore "something someone called religion, somewhere someone called America." Drawing on interdisciplinary methods—Black studies, queer theory, performance studies, and more—this collection reimagines how religion is practiced, embodied, and theorized across diverse American contexts. Volume 5 not only expands the boundaries of American religious history but also highlights the work of emerging scholars pushing the field forward. Accessible and thought provoking, this anthology is essential reading for students and scholars of religion, race, gender, and American culture.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
6 b&w Figures
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
340 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8173-6257-7 (9780817362577)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Rachel E. C. Beckley is a multiterm lecturer in history and religious studies at the University of Kansas.
Jacob Lassin is assistant professor of regional and cultural studies (Russia) at the Air Force Culture and Language Center.
Andrew Klumpp is editor of the Annals of Iowa, the quarterly scholarly history journal published by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Michael J. Altman is professor of religious studies at the University of Alabama and the director of American Examples.
Jacob Lassin is assistant professor of regional and cultural studies (Russia) at the Air Force Culture and Language Center.
Andrew Klumpp is editor of the Annals of Iowa, the quarterly scholarly history journal published by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Michael J. Altman is professor of religious studies at the University of Alabama and the director of American Examples.
Editor
Introduction
Contributions
Content
List of Illustrations
Introduction: A New Conversation about Religion
Rachel E. C. Beckley, Jacob Lassin, and Michael J. Altman
"I'm a Darned Sweet Woman, and You Know It": On the Majorette Strut
Dustin Gavin
Made in America: A (Preliminary) Genealogy of H Mart as Religious Icon
Mihee Kim-Kort
Subtle Energy, Extracted Energy: Ley Lines and Oil in North America
Judith Ellen Brunton
A Disciplined Wilderness: Nostalgia at Midcentury Evangelical Summer Camp
Sarah Hedgecock
Myth and the Dismal Swamp Maroons
Ryne Beddard
Divine Duality in the Oneida Community
Kit Hermanson
The Cryptic Dramaturgies of Christian Performance
Robyn Lee
Notes
Bibliography
Contributors
Index