Beyond Tolerance: Searching for Interfaith Understanding in America (The Documents of 20th-centur...
A bracing rejoinder both to religious fanaticism and to recent books decrying religion
The United States is the most religiously div... read full description
The United States is the most religiously div... read full description
reviews
Aug 21, 2008
Alan
rated it: 
It's almost painful to criticize this slim volume because the sentiments behind it are ppraiseworthy. Niebuuhr argues in favor of interfaith dialogue. He says that in the post 9/11 world, mutual understanding and respect between different religions is more crucial than ever. I heartily agree.
A former New York Times religion reporter turned academic, Niebuhr travels around the country finding various small-scale but nonetheless inspiring examples of such dialogue. It's all quite hea More...
A former New York Times religion reporter turned academic, Niebuhr travels around the country finding various small-scale but nonetheless inspiring examples of such dialogue. It's all quite hea More...
Nov 18, 2008
Vanessa
rated it: 
It's a thinker.
This quote is a good summary of what the book is about:
"The wars around the globe into which religion is woven -- violence that over the past two decades has sent m any tens of thousands of men, women, and children to terrible deaths in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Indonesia, India, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the United States -- deeply threaten what we have of a human society. Denouncing religion itself is futile. And such simple reactions More...
This quote is a good summary of what the book is about:
"The wars around the globe into which religion is woven -- violence that over the past two decades has sent m any tens of thousands of men, women, and children to terrible deaths in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Indonesia, India, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the United States -- deeply threaten what we have of a human society. Denouncing religion itself is futile. And such simple reactions More...
Mar 05, 2009
Dave
rated it: 
This is a very timely book describing the author's cross-country journeys in search of examples of interfaith dialogue. The grandnephew of Reinhold Niebuhr, the author chronicles specific individuals and events in a style that is dense and engaging at the same time to arrive at an honest, yet hopeful conclusion.
Jun 07, 2010
Rosemary
rated it:
Lively accounts of people and congregations communicating across the borders of faith and denomination. The author draws on years of journalistic experience to tell stories that give flesh and breath to the theological point he makes.
Jun 01, 2009
LaLa
rated it: 
I mean, I enjoyed it and even quoted from it, but I never finished it which is sort of a sign.
Apr 21, 2009
Erica
rated it:
We had Gustav Niebuhr on campus last week -- I really enjoyed meeting him, and listening to his lecture. I enjoyed the book, as well, but... I wasn't a big fan of his writing style -- which is pretty important to me. I think I agree with one of my students in that I just keep looking for the book that I'm looking for on interfaith issues, if that makes any sense at all. Again -- really enjoyed talking with Niebuhr -- very personable and down to earth.
Jan 09, 2012
Megan
rated it:
Niebuhr argues that 'tolerance' will not help us achieve the type of robust religious pluralism we really need in a democratic society, and discusses much of the work that is currently being done to go 'beyond tolerance.' Good introduction to the interfaith movement for those unfamiliar with it.
(Note: the introduction was overly long and a little slow - worth skimming instead of reading word-by-word.)
(Note: the introduction was overly long and a little slow - worth skimming instead of reading word-by-word.)
Oct 10, 2009
Katherine
rated it:
This book is downright cuddly, and I mean that in the best possible way.
Jun 27, 2010
Stephanie
rated it:
An excellent book that offers a message of hope for cooperation and respect in a very religiously diverse America.
Dec 06, 2011
Lynne
rated it:
Fantastic book! Inspirational and informative. This should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of interfaith relations, the importance of interfaith efforts, and where such efforts can lead.
Sep 17, 2009
Victoria
rated it:
A compelling narrative with some building of discourse, bringing together thinkers I love and stories that confirm my trust in the goodness of things. This is a rare confirmation, and I am grateful for it.
Sep 28, 2010
Anthony
rated it:
Yet another great example of co-existence in such a religiously partial society.
Sep 06, 2010
Rona
rated it: 
This is a pompous book by a self-important Christian. I found his understanding of interfaith relations insulting.
For example. One of his stories is about an imam meets with a group of Christian divinity students. The imam is fully aware that the students want to meet him so that they can learn more about Islam IN ORDER TO MORE EFFECTIVELY CONVERT Muslims to their faith. The imam takes this in good cheer. Our author says "better to be talking than not talking" and thinks th More...
For example. One of his stories is about an imam meets with a group of Christian divinity students. The imam is fully aware that the students want to meet him so that they can learn more about Islam IN ORDER TO MORE EFFECTIVELY CONVERT Muslims to their faith. The imam takes this in good cheer. Our author says "better to be talking than not talking" and thinks th More...
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