Founded on the principle of religious pluralism, the United States comprises scores of religious traditions. Although the spiritual lives of most people throughout the nation's history are private and undocumented, an examination of the lives and influence of U.S. religious leaders offers insights into the religious heritage of the United States. The men and women profiled in this book felt impelled to preach, to found schools or other institutions, or to debate the relationship between church and government in the observance of their spiritual convictions. The book highlights the lives and achievements of more than 270 individuals who became important spiritual leaders, such as John Cotton, Father Damien, Mary Baker Eddy, Billy Graham, Rebecca Gratz, Sun Myung Moon, Elijah Muhammad, Tenskwatawa, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Bob Jones, and Martin Luther King, Jr. It features an introduction, glossary, general bibliography, two subject indexes that list entries by the subject's religious affiliation and year of birth, a comprehensive index, and about 60 photographs depicting prominent individuals. (BT)