For minority faith groups living in nineteenth-century Iran; religious conversion to Islam - both voluntary and forced - was the primary means of social integration and assimilation. However; why was it that some Persian Jews instead embraced the emergent Baha'i Faith; which was subject to harsher persecution that Judaism? Mehrdad Amanat explores the conversion experiences of Jewish families during this time; and examines the fluid; multiple religious identities that many converts adopted. The religious fluidity exemplified in the widespread voluntary conversion of Iranian Jews to Baha'ism presents an alternative to the rejectionist view of religion that regards millennia of religious experience as inherently coercive; oppressive; rigidly dogmatic and a consistently divisive social force.
#541634 in Books imusti 2015-12-08 2015-12-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.42 x 1.14 x 9.57l; .0 #File Name: 1681880415252 pagesWeldon Owen
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I must commend Bryan of a great accomplishment; traveling around the world to tell the ...By Sam LitvinAs a writer/photographer of a similar book; I must commend Bryan of a great accomplishment; traveling around the world to tell the Jewish story is no easy feat and to do so in a way that gives people a good understanding of Jews such that Jews feel is fair is even tougher. This is a great looking book; well design; with good photography and easy to follow writing. He centers on the "unknown" or the "unusual" Jew so you should already know a bit about Judaism before picking up this book; however it is a great addition to your Judaica library and will fill you in on the little known Jewish life around the world in a way that is interesting and entertaining. MazalTov and welcome Mr. Schwartz to the small club of published archivers of Jewish life.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful read. Incredible stories; people and communities. Beautiful photos.By CustomerBeautifully written and with incredible photos; this book does a fantastic job of documenting an important time for culturally diverse and remote Jewish communities around the world. The text brings the photos; the people; and the traditions to life as you travel around the world visiting each community. While reading it; I never wanted to put the book down. This is amazing given that the book is non-fiction and really provides great depth and important research as well about the cultures and traditions of each community. The book inspires us to open our minds and hearts and to be mensches like many of the people we meet during this book's journey. A great present for any occasion; too; I'd highly recommend this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful coffee table bookBy Bubbe 65Through photographs and narration; the author describes remote Jewish communities around the world. The photographs are superb. The writing is clear. The author traveled the world staying; for example; with the Benei Menashe Jews along the India-Myanmar border; the ostrich farmers in Oudtshoorn; South Africa; the gauchos in Moises Ville; Argentina and the house of Israel in Sefwi Wiawso; Ghana. I highly recommend this book because of the fascinating subject; the excellent photography and the well-written text.
