Introducing World Religions

Summary: This is a readable and engaging introduction to world religions. It explores the main religions of both East and West, situating them in a cross-cultural context and using a powerful dramatic metaphor to bring them alive for students. It covers: The nature of "religion" in terms of cross-culturally applicable concepts developed in the history of religions The internal coherence of religious worldviews in terms of ind...ividual traditions and the "families" to which they belong. The diversity of the world's living spiritual traditions, using categories and choosing content susceptible to comparative analysis. The key persons who animate each of the world's living religions including: founders and key historical figures, divine presences, and religious adherents. The values, teachings and spiritual technologies embodied in key religious texts, including scriptures, myths, philosophies, and laws. The key cultural products, such as rituals, and arts that reflect the integrity of the religious traditions in terms of sacred space and sacred time. Additional features include: half tones, line drawings, timelines, summary boxes, and a glossary. [read more]