A TALE OF TEN CITIES

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Reporting on a book under this imprint introduces a new area of publishing but the book seems so important that we feel this is justified. The timeliness of the study of the changes taking place in Protestant-Catholic- Jewish relationships is indisputable. Some of the findings and conclusions will be newsworthy -- some differ sharply from the stereotypes too often accepted as valid. The ten cities studied are:- Boston, now a recognized stronghold of Roman Catholicism; Cleveland, where the city has been left to a fast growing Negro population, and the suburbs are largely identifiable as Jewish, and Protestant; Los Angeles, where population explosion is at peak; Muncie, long known as a center of discrimination and bigotry on several scores; Nashville, hard hit by the issue of religion in the 1960 election; New York City- which affords examples of everything, good and bad; Philadelphia, which is doing sound experimentation in group relations; Plainview (L.I.) where the issue of religion and the schools exploded; Minneapolis and St. Paul- and how they met their problems separately and collectively. Among the findings that will startle many is the statement that..""..the widespread belief that the Roman Catholic Church is a monolithic, united structure is flatly the pages of this book"". The authors then proceed to bring together from the different cities evidence to support their contention...The issue of church-state separation, of government aid to sectarian schools, even more than participation in religious expression in assembly, is one of the divisive factors, but there are many others. But on the whole religious tensions and community conflicts have not left lasting Nor does the acceptance of religion in one form or another- and the numerical increase seem to mean much more than a status symbol. The authors deplore the melancholy aspect of the ignorance of most Americans about religion, their own and that of others. They endorse the new emphasis on a more vital program launched by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. This reader feels that their own book will help lay the groundwork of broader understanding among laymen of all faiths and creeds.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Union of Hebrew Congregations

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1962

Categories: NONFICTION