In 1965, landmark changes in the immigration law admitted to the United States large numbers of Indians and Pakistanis. Williams' book is the first comprehensive study of the religious groups formed in the United States by immigrants from India and Pakistan, of the adaptive and organizational patterns developed by these groups, and of their continuing influence on the fabric of American religion and culture. Through analysis of demographic statistics and information gathered in interviews, the book provides an overview of the variety of religions practiced by Indian and Pakistani Americans, the size of these religious groups, and the range of ecumenical, ethnic, sectarian, and national organizations. Case studies of groups in Chicago and Houston demonstrate differing growth patterns in metropolitan areas, while detailed descriptions of Swaminarayan Hindus and Nizari Ismaili Muslims illustrate a range of approaches to the difficulties of assimilation into American society.

The dual foci for this collection of the author's most important writings are Swaminarayan Hinduism and South Asian immigrants in the United States. Both are topics of wide and growing interest in India and in many countries where South Indians have settled. Swaminarayan Hinduism's growth in the past few decades in India and among Indians abroad has been remarkable: one subsect now has 8100 centers around the world where weekly meetings are held. The second focus is on the religions of South Asian immigrants: Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs and Christians. The first section is introductory and sets the stage through an analysis of the transmission of religious traditions. The second section moves from the development of Swaminarayan Hinduism and its leadership in India to its development in the United States as exemplified in Chicago. The third section analyzes the impact South Asian religions are having in the United States, and the effects that migration and modernization are having on the religions of the immigrants.

The dual foci for this collection of the author's most important writings are Swaminarayan Hinduism and South Asian immigrants in the United States. Both are topics of wide and growing interest in India and in many countries where South Indians have settled. Swaminarayan Hinduism's growth in the past few decades in India and among Indians abroad has been remarkable: one subsect now has 8100 centers around the world where weekly meetings are held. The second focus is on the religions of South Asian immigrants: Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs and Christians. The first section is introductory and sets the stage through an analysis of the transmission of religious traditions. The second section moves from the development of Swaminarayan Hinduism and its leadership in India to its development in the United States as exemplified in Chicago. The third section analyzes the impact South Asian religions are having in the United States, and the effects that migration and modernization are having on the religions of the immigrants.

Recent immigrant Christians from India are changing the face of American Christianity. They are establishing churches with Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic rites. This text is a comprehensive study of these Christians, their churches, and their adaptation. Professor Williams describes migration patterns since 1965, and how the role of Indian Christian nurses in creating immigration opportunities for their families affects gender relations, transition of generations, interpretations of migration, Indian Christian family values, and types of leadership. Contemporary mobility and rapid communication create new trans-national religious groups, and Williams reveals some of the reverse effects on churches and institutions in India. He notes some successes and failures of mediating institutions in the United States in responding to new forms of Christianity brought by immigrants.

An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism, third edition, offers a comprehensive study of a contemporary form of Hinduism. Begun as a revival and reform movement in India 200 years ago, it has now become one of the fastest growing and most prominent forms of Hinduism. The Swaminarayan Hindu transnational network of temples and institutions is expanding in India, East Africa, the UK, USA, Australasia, and in other African and Asian cities. The devotion, rituals, and discipline taught by its founder, Sahajanand Swami (1781-1830) and elaborated by current leaders in major festivals, diverse media, and over the Internet, help preserve ethnic and religious identity in many modern cultural and political contexts. Swaminarayan Hinduism, here described through its history, divisions, leaders, theology and practices, provides valuable case studies of contemporary Hinduism, religion, migrants, and transnationalism. This new edition includes up-to-date information about growth, geographic expansion, leadership transitions, and impact of Swaminarayan institutions in India and abroad.

An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism, third edition, offers a comprehensive study of a contemporary form of Hinduism. Begun as a revival and reform movement in India 200 years ago, it has now become one of the fastest growing and most prominent forms of Hinduism. The Swaminarayan Hindu transnational network of temples and institutions is expanding in India, East Africa, the UK, USA, Australasia, and in other African and Asian cities. The devotion, rituals, and discipline taught by its founder, Sahajanand Swami (1781-1830) and elaborated by current leaders in major festivals, diverse media, and over the Internet, help preserve ethnic and religious identity in many modern cultural and political contexts. Swaminarayan Hinduism, here described through its history, divisions, leaders, theology and practices, provides valuable case studies of contemporary Hinduism, religion, migrants, and transnationalism. This new edition includes up-to-date information about growth, geographic expansion, leadership transitions, and impact of Swaminarayan institutions in India and abroad.

Recent immigrant Christians from India are changing the face of American Christianity. They introduce ancient Catholic Oriental rites, St. Thomas orthodoxy, the fruits of modern Protestant missions, and the outpouring of Pentecostal revivals. This book is the first comprehensive study of these Christians, their churches, and their adaptation. Professor Williams describes migration patterns since 1965 and the growth of Indian Christian churches in the United States. The role of Christian nurses in creating immigration opportunities for their families affects gender relations, transition of generations, interpretations of migration, Indian Christian family values, and types of leadership. Contemporary mobility and rapid communication create new transnational religious groups. Williams reveals some of the reverse effects on churches and institutions in India. He notes some successes and failures of mediating institutions in the United States - seminaries, denominational judicatories, ecumenical agencies, and interfaith organizations - in responding to new forms of Christianity brought by immigrants.

In 1965, landmark changes in the immigration law admitted to the United States large numbers of Indians and Pakistanis. Williams' book is the first comprehensive study of the religious groups formed in the United States by immigrants from India and Pakistan, of the adaptive and organizational patterns developed by these groups, and of their continuing influence on the fabric of American religion and culture. Through analysis of demographic statistics and information gathered in interviews, the book provides an overview of the variety of religions practiced by Indian and Pakistani Americans, the size of these religious groups, and the range of ecumenical, ethnic, sectarian, and national organizations. Case studies of groups in Chicago and Houston demonstrate differing growth patterns in metropolitan areas, while detailed descriptions of Swaminarayan Hindus and Nizari Ismaili Muslims illustrate a range of approaches to the difficulties of assimilation into American society.

This is a series of commentaries on the New English Bible designed for use in schools and training colleges, and for the layman. It replaces the old Cambridge Bible for Schools. Each volume will comment on one book, or two or three short books, of the Bible, beginning with the New Testament, already published. In each the text will be given in full. Sections of text and commentary alternate, so that the reader does not have to keep two books open, or turn from one part of the book to the other, or refer to a commentary in small type at the foot of the page. Great care is being taken to see that the commentary is suitable to the student and the layman: there is no Greek or Hebrew, and no strings of biblical references, but the commentary does convey the latest and best scholarship. The general editors all have experience of teaching or examining in school and working with adults. It is hoped to have the series complete in a few years. There will also be a general introductory volume, Understanding the New Testament, and a volume of maps and plates, The New Testament Illustrated.

-- "Journal of Asian Studies"

Swaminarayan Hinduism is rooted in its formation in India at the cusp of the early modern and colonial period. This book explores the new discoveries, recent research and interpretation of the history, doctrine, devotional arts, and transnational developments provide a foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary Swaminarayan growth, belief and practice. The themes that trace through the analyses are tradition and adaptation in the historical and social process of creating a complex new religious identity in response to social, economic and political changes. The book contains current academic research from several disciplinesincluding history, theology, the arts, architecture, sociology, and migration studiesto analyze how the stories, texts, and arts shape and reveal the thought, devotion, conduct, and socio-religious community that guide Swaminarayan Hindus through major transitions across time and space in several contexts. Swaminarayan is one of the rapidly expanding transnational Hindu movements with followers and institutions throughout India and abroad, especially in the United States, Britain, East Africa and Australasia.