Cover of Religions of the World

Religions of the World

This best-selling introduction to world religions is ideal for readers with no previous exposure to the subject. Offering accurate, comparative descriptions of a broad range of religions, it gives background material on religious theory and study, while exploring living religions in terms of the historical and cultural factors that produced them. The book concentrates on the lives of the founders of different religions, their basic teachings, and their current status in the world. Unlike other books, "Religions of the World" includes chapters on Native American and African religions as well as the " smaller" text-based religions, such as Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, and Baha'i. An excellent reference work for those involved in religion and the study of religion, including those involved in marketing for various religious publications, videos, etc.

Audience
adult
Length
long · 432 pages

Click a tag to see books like this one that share it. Point at it (on a phone, tap it) for less of it instead.

Read it? Sign in to help tag it.

Liked Religions of the World? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked Religions of the World. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. Why Religion Matters: The Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief Shares religion, nonfiction, world religions
  2. World Religions: Eastern Traditions Shares religion, textbooks, nonfiction
  3. The Shambhala Guide to Taoism Shares religion, philosophy, nonfiction
  4. World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts Shares religion, world religions

“People who read Religions of the World tend to reach for these next.”

  1. Homo Necans: The Anthropology of Ancient Greek Sacrificial Ritual and Myth
  2. Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a Light to the Nations
  3. Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry
  4. The Origins of Greek Thought

“If you want more of the same (philosophy about religion), start with these.”

  1. Seven Theories of Religion
  2. Flourishing: Why We Need Religion in a Globalized World
  3. The Meaning and End of Religion
  4. God & Human Suffering: An Exercise in the Theology of the Cross

“If it was the religion that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. World Religions Today
  2. When Religion Becomes Evil
  3. The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions
  4. Anthology of World Scriptures

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. Anatomy of the Sacred: An Introduction to Religion
  2. Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion: An Anthropological Study of the Supernatural
  3. World Religions: Western Traditions
  4. Living Religions