Mapping the religious wonders of North and South America

Note: CNN found 8 wonders (8 religious wonders to see in the U.S.), and there may be many more depending on the selection or range or more to emerge in the multifaith mosaic of America. No wonder a comment at CNN "missing are: National Cathedral and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C." Another comment at Newser: "Compared with the cathedrals one can see in Europe, complete with incredible art, calling these marvels is a bit of a stretch.." Yet another comment at Newser: "The archaic structures are very beautiful, and I've always loved Gothic architecture. there's a GORGEOUS Hindu temple down the street from my house. It looks like a giant sand castle. shown here...i cant believe it didn't make the list: Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lilburn, Georgia

8 Religious Wonders of the American World
This article originally appeared on CNN. Extract:

By Marina Csomor – People visit Jerusalem for the rich history, interwoven religious narratives and crumbling holy walls. They visit Europe for ornate churches with painted ceilings and golden trim. They visit India for peace of mind, finding serenity in its carved and colorful temples scattered along the sacred Ganges River.
But people rarely travel the U.S. in search of such sanctuaries. After all, what religious wisdom could America, a country still in its youth at 236 years old, have to offer?
Although the country may not have a reputation for religious landmarks, America is home to more than just secular city halls and strip malls. Whether or not you practice a faith, visiting these beautiful and historic U.S. religious spots may provide inspiration.

Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois

Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California

Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Michigan

Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, Florida

Temple Emanu-El in New York City

Palace of Gold in Moundsville, West Virginia

Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City continue reading @ mysticpolitics.com or @ Newser

5 Religious Marvels in America, SiliconIndia
Extract:

Bangalore: India is globally recognized as the 'Land of Temples' and Indians are known to be immensely fanatic about their religion. Even though America is not so renowned for its religious landmarks, there are few outstanding shrines in the U.S. which draws people from various parts of the world. Here is a list if 5 religious marvels in U.S., as listed by in CNN by Marina Csomor-

The Bahai House of Worship

Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California

Islamic Center of America in Dearborn

Memorial Presbyterian Church

Salt Lake Temple
continue reading @ SiliconIndia

Graphic : A demographic breakdown of the world of religion image courtesy: Graphic religion

Canada:

Hindu Mandir, Dollard des Ormeaux, Québec -- more here: Québec’s attractions: Religious heritage

Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto

Jame Abu Bakr Siddique Masjid, Scarborough

Ismaili Jamatkhana and Aga Khan Museum in Toronto (under construction)

Ontario Khalsa Darbar Dixie

Zen Buddhist Temple, Toronto

Notre Dame Basilica, Ottawa; see more Ontario - Religious Sites

Much more here: Places of worship in Canada

South America:

The Baha'i temple to be built in Santiago, Chile, will be the first Baha'i house of worship in South America.


On the same shelf:

Design Criteria for Mosques and Islamic Centres, Akel Kahera

Houses of Worship: An Identification Guide to the History and Styles of American Religious Architecture, Jeffery W. Howe

Deconstructing the American Mosque [ DECONSTRUCTING THE AMERICAN MOSQUE, Akel Ismail Kahera

Comprehensive Study of U.S. Mosques, A survey by Hartford Seminary

The Global Religious Landscape: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Major Religious Groups as of 2010 PEW Forum