Each chapter of Believers and Beliefs offers a brief history of the faith or denomination, along with the essentials of theology and doctrine and selected passages from sacred writings of each faith or denomination. There are also quick guides to holidays, dress, dietary laws, individual and community worship, the place of men and women. White includes information on conversion, a suggested reading list and material on births, weddings and funerals, which she calls "milestones."
Mark I. Pinsky Orlando Sentinel The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ms. White has written a handy help for those who want to do the right thing in our multibelief world. Her guidebook covers the practices - social and sacramental - of 14 world religions and 14 Christian groups. She offers tips on etiquette in every chapter. So at the next back-yard barbecue, not only will you know not to pass the plate of pork ribs to your Jewish and Muslim guests, but you'll know, too, not to offer your Sikh friend a platter of kosher. He won't eat anything that has been prepared according to Jewish or Muslim religious law. - T.K.
The Dallas Morning News
Most Americans today live out their faith in a mulicultural - indeed, a multifaith -world. Understanding other groups' holidays, traditions, beliefs and practice is becoming more and more important.
Believers and Beliefs : A Practical Guide to Religious Etiquette for Business and Social Occasions (Berkley Books) provides an in-depth look at a cross-section of faiths. Written by Atlanta Journal-Constitution religion writer Gayle Colquitt White, the book is like a survival guide to the world of religion.
The way the book is organized, each chapter covers a specific group to enable readers to increase their awareness and sensitivity to other beliefs. With this volume, you'll never be at a loss - whether you're one of a handful of nonfamily members invited to a Shintowedding or sharing a table with Seventh-day Adventists and wondering about their dietary laws.
CECILE S. HOLMES, Houston Chronicle Religion Editor Houston Chronicle
Another useful and unusual businessbook is " Believers and Beliefs" (Berkley Books), by Gayle Colquitt White, religion writer for The Atlanta Journal and Constitution.
White got the idea for the book from her experience as a religion writer. When readers, friends and co-workers had etiquette/religion questions, she was the obvious source: My Jewish boss's father just died. Should I take food to his family? Can I take Communion at my friend's Catholic wedding? If you call a male Episcopal priest Father, what do you call a female priest?
Since her goal is understanding and practical knowledge, White focuses on everyday situations, such as religious holidays, weddings and funerals, addressing such issues as dress, conversation, roles of men and women and dietary laws.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune
How can these disconnected parents talk to their children about Christmas, Hanukkah and the other religious holidays that intersect in December? If you're looking for something that gives an overview of a variety of religious traditions, take a look at "Believers and Beliefs ." It was written by Gayle White, religion writer for The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, after eight years of getting asked questions by readers about other faiths.
SANDI DOLBEE The San Diego Union-Tribune
It began when a woman telephoned religion writer Gayle White to see if it was proper to take food to the home of her Jewish boss who had just died. Next, a neighbour stopped White to ask if she would be expected to take communion at her cousin's Catholic wedding. Then a co-worker dropped by her desk to see if she could explain why a Jehovah's Witness at his child's elementary school wouldn't come to class parties. White was used to answering the occasional religious question. But these came over a period of a few days and they all seemed to be etiquette-related.
It didn't take her long to see a pattern. Thus was born Believers And Beliefs : A Practical Guide To Religious Etiquette For Business And Social Occasions (Berkeley).
The book offers an overview of more than 25 religious faiths and includes etiquette tips. At the end of each chapter is a reference list for delving deeper.
Olivia Fortson, The Charlotte Observer The Toronto Star The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
those practical, live-with-and-love-your-neighbor questions are not found in the library reference texts. Until now.
White interviewed denominational leaders and professors. But she also went to the people in the pews to find out their good neighbor customs, especially for weddings and funerals. While she outlines each faith and Christian denomination's history, beliefs , practices and holidays, it's the good neighbor practices-that are most helpful.
Patricia Rice Post-Dispatch Religion Writer St. Louis Post-Dispatch