History of the World's Religions

9780136149842

0136149847

A History of the World's Religions is widely regarded as the hallmark of scholarship, fairness, and accuracy in its field. Noss introduces you to the origins of world religions and shows you how they developed into the religions that impact the world we live in now. The depth, breadth, and clear organization of A History of the Worlds Religions provide information that is most useful for lively class discussions and in-depth assignments. NEW TO THE TWELFTH EDITION! Updated coverage of Jewish scriptures in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the Pharisaic Hebrew scriptures, the Septuagint, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Samaritan Pentateuch. Updated coverage of the Religious Right, the change in popes, the ongoing re-examination of human sexuality in Christian communities, and developments in global Christianity. Coverage of the Shiite and Baath Party rift in Iraq. Coverage of the religious background to conflict within Iran. Additional material on the impact of the gender gap on South Asian religious communities. New illustrations, including teaching pictures actually used in everyday devotional activity CONTENT AND PEDAGOGIC FEATURES OF A HISTORY OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS Offers the most detailed treatment of world religions available in a single-volume text. Demonstrates how the history of a religion influences the current religious, social, political, and ethical climate. Includes primary sources and places them within a context that maximizes understanding. Treats non-English terms with clarity and sensitivity. Discusses the varieties of fundamentalism found in religions today and why they emerged. Discusses the role of women and female divinities. Includes a complete chapter on Zoroastrianism. Organizes material in a way that makes information easy to locate. Highlights terms and keys them to chapter-end glossaries. Boxes brief quotations for added interest and easy reference.