Religious Requirements And Practices

Prepared by the Office of the Chief of Chaplains, United States Army, this handbook provides a useful guide to the beliefs and practices of a number of religious groups. It provides a useful reference, both for professionals such as airport and hospital chaplains, and for lay readers interested in a basic guide to religious groups not readily covered in other references. A specific purpose of the handbook was also to limit the amount of information provided on each group. Thus, while the information is accurate (in most instances approved by authorities from the individual groups themselves), it is by no means comprehensive. The material presented in the handbook was derived through an extensive research effort. The handbook includes 37 different group descriptions, divided into seven categories. The categories are: Christian Heritage Groups Japanese Heritage Groups Jewish Groups Indian Heritage Groups Islamic Groups Sikh Groups Other Groups Among the uniform topics covered for each group are: historical roots, origins in the U.S., number of adherents in the U.S., organizational structure, leadership and role of priesthood, who may conduct worship services, is group worship required, dietary laws or restrictions, special religious holidays, funeral and burial requirements, autopsy, cremation, medical treatment, is a priest required at the time of death, basic teachings or beliefs, and ethical practices.

Prepared by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a guide for prison chaplains, this detailed summary of various religious practices and requirements provides a useful consistent reference work for many other purposes. The information for each religion is divided into two sections, The practical issues of each religion are placed in the first section; the history, theology and recommended resources are placed in the second section. If necessary, glossary and appendices are attached to the chapters. The format for each religion is as follows: 1. Religious Practices a. Required Daily Observances b. Required Weekly Observances c. Required Occasional Observances d. Religious Holy Days 2. Religious Items a. Personal Religious Items b. Congregate Religious Items 3. Requirements for Membership a. Requirements b. Total Membership 4. Medical Prohibitions 5. Dietary Standards 6. Burial Rituals 7. Sacred Writings 8. Organizational Structure a. Location of Headquarters b. Contact Office/Person 9. History and Theology a. Basic History b. Theology 10. Resources a. Periodicals b. Bibliography c. Resources/Supplies 11. Glossary (if warranted) 12. Appendices (if warranted)

First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.