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A comprehensive and visually rich journey through the world's major religious traditions Now in its second edition,
Understanding the Religions of the World: An Introduction provides an engaging and accessible framework for analyzing the world's major religious traditions. Assuming no previous background in the subject, this student-friendly textbook features contributions from leading scholars that explore contemporary practices and beliefs in religions such as Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as often-overlooked traditions like the indigenous beliefs of Africa and Oceania. Offering insights into how religions shape human experience and why they resonate with their followers,
Understanding the Religions of the World contains chapters filled with expert analysis, up-to-date scholarship, informational boxes and figures, and more than 150 images, diagrams, and maps that enhance comprehension, strengthen critical thinking skills, and increase cultural awareness. This edition also introduces two new chapters, expanding coverage to include the study of religion and indigenous religions of the Americas.
Understanding the Religions of the World: An Introduction, is ideal for undergraduate and elite high school honors courses on religious studies, anthropology, comparative religion, and theology.
List of contents
Authors and Major Contributors vii
Preface to the Second Edition ix
Preface for Teachers x
Chapter Features xiii
Introduction 1
1 Hinduism 9
2 Buddhism 60
3 Chinese Religion 114
4 Japan's Lived Religion 164
5 African Religions 204
6 Religions of Oceania 240
7 Indigenous Religions in the Americas 271
8 Judaism 337
9 Christianity 390
10 Islam 452
11 Change in Religions and New Religions 512
12 The Study of Religions 542
Glossary of Key Terms 577
Index 594
About the author
WILL DEMING, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Theology at the University of Portland, where he taught introductory courses in Religious Studies to undergraduates for 25 years. He specializes in Pauline Studies with primary academic interests in New Testament, early Christian literature, Second Temple Judaism, and Greco-Roman culture. His major publications include
Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction, and
Paul on Marriage and Celibacy: The Hellenistic Background of 1 Corinthians 7,
Second Edition.
