Hi Journeyers,
Sidney Greenfield rocketed from a humble beginning in Brooklyn to the top of his profession in anthropology. Although his parents were never interested in religion, somehow Greenfield is now one of the leading authorities on religion among Brazilians and an astute observer of the new trends among Christian nationalists. Greenfield goes where the evidence is, whether in the Caribbeans Islands, the jungles and favelas of Brazil, or the mushrooming religious congregations of Brooklyn.
For a couple of years, he intensively investigated if the so-called psychic surgery by certain Brazilian religious practitioners was really true. He observed and filmed one major surgery without any anesthesia and evidently no pain. He mobilized EKG-testing and all sorts of other measures.
A few years ago, I made some remark to him that churches were growing thicker by the day in the city. Evidently, he and his wife wanted to go see for themselves. He came back and laconically said, "You're right."
How does a young kid from tough streets of Brooklyn end up as an anthropologist? It seems like an unlikely choice. I wonder if Sid knew what an anthropologist was at first?
On Journey TV, we start coverage of his story from Brooklyn to graduate school. Later, we plan on covering his scholarship up to today.
Join us Sunday night, 7:30 pm on this interesting journey with one our outstanding religion scholars here in New York City.
Look forward,
Tony
Publisher and editor
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