American Examples, Vol 5
New Conversations About Religion

Michael J. Altman (Edited by), Rachel E.C. Beckley (Edited by), Jacob Lassin (Edited by), Andrew Klumpp (Edited by), Michael J. Altman (Introduction by), Rachel E.C. Beckley (Introduction by), Jacob Lassin (Introduction by), Ryne Beddard (Contributions by), Judith Ellen Brunton (Contributions by), Dustin Gavin (Contributions by), Sarah M. Hedgecock (Contributions by), Kit Hermanson (Contributions by), Mihee Kim-Kort (Contributions by), Robyn Lee (Contributions by)

9780817362577, The University of Alabama Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 May 2026

216 pages, 6 b&w Figures
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.341 kg

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.

List of Illustrations