Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in the
United States, and religion plays a pivotal role in both the
preservation of their heritage and their acculturation into U.S.
culture. While Catholicism remains the dominant tradition,
Hispanic Americans observe a diverse number of religious faiths,
including Pentecostalism, Judaism and Buddhism. Spanning two
volumes, Hispanic American Religious Cultures encompasses the
full diversity of faiths and spiritual beliefs practiced among
Hispanic Americans. It is the first comprehensive work to
provide historic contexts for the many religious identities
expressed among Hispanic Americans. The entries of this
encyclopedia cover a range of spiritual affiliations, including
Christian religious expressions, world faiths, and indigenous
practices. Coverage includes historical development, current
practices and key individuals, while additional essays look at
issues across various traditions. By examining the distinctive
Hispanic interpretations of religious