Religions of the World: Past and Present

Religions of the World: Past and Present surveys the global range of human spiritual and religious experience. The publication examines various worldwide patterns of religious beliefs and practices, and then investigates particular faiths, communities, and traditions. Religions of the World: Past and Present: Helps the reader develop a general understanding of the roles religion has played over time in individual and collective life in various geographical, historical, and cultural contexts. Is interdisciplinary! The book gives the reader a framework to ask further questions in other classes. The reader will learn basic geography, history, and many languages in a very short time, and get a sense of what researchers do in Religious Studies. Is divided into three units: 1) an introduction to religions originating in India (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism); 2) an introduction to religions originating in East Asia (Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto); and finally, 3) an overview of the Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam which originated in the Middle East.