Converts to Buddhism - Interpersonal and Worldview Shifts

Psychology has historically failed to address matters of spirituality and culturaldiversity. These voids are beginning to be addressed but missing in theliterature are descriptions of the experiences individuals involved in religionsoutside the Judeo-Christian traditions in the United States. This studyexamines the experiences of members of a small Buddhist center in theconservative largely Christian context of the midwestern United States. Studyquestions examined were: What are the factors that influence an individual'sdecision to seek a minority religious tradition? What is the impact of minorityreligion membership in the larger conservative religious culture? How doesmembership affect relationships with family friends and acquaintances?How might ideas about self the world and life experience change as individualsacculturate to a different worldview? This book would be of specialinterest to psychologists sociologists and religious studies professionals. Itwould also be useful for anyone interested in better understanding the experiencesand well-being of Western Buddhists