A Concise Introduction to World Religions

A Concise Introduction to World Religions, second edition, is a contributed volume that examines the development of major global faith traditions and movements. Based on the best-selling two-volume set World Religions: Eastern and World Religions: Western Traditions, this text explores the origins, central teachings, divisions and branches, rituals and practices, influences on culture, and responses to modern challenges for each tradition in an accessible and engaging style. Each chapter combines detailed analysis with excerpts from sacred texts, hymns, and prayers; focus boxes that draw attention to key rituals and figures; and full-colour photographs that more effectively illustrate the practices, rituals, and symbols characteristic of each faith. Other pedagogical features include a 'Tradition at a Glance' box that itemizes the fundamental characteristics and statistics for each tradition; a 'Major Branches of...' box that provides a breakdown of the divisions within each tradition; a map to situate the evolution of each faith; and a timeline that catalogues significant events. Each chapter concludes with a glossary, study questions, and further readings and recommended websites lists.

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS ; PUBLISHER'S PREFACE ; IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THIS EDITION (PEDAGOGICAL RESOURCES TOC) ; LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS ; INTRODUCTION. ALAN F. SEGAL AND WILLARD G. OXTOBY ; 1. The Nature of Religion. Alan F. Segal ; 2. Indigenous Traditions. Robert M. Baum ; 3. Jewish Traditions. Alan F. Segal ; 4. Christian Traditions. Alan F. Segal and Willard G. Oxtoby ; 5. Muslim Traditions. Amir Hussain ; 6. Hindu Traditions. Vasudha Narayanan ; 7. Jaina Traditions. Anne Vallely ; 8. Buddhist Traditions. Roy C. Amore ; 9. Sikh Traditions. Pashaura Singh ; 10. Chinese and Korean Traditions. Terry Tak-ling Woo ; 11. Japanese Traditions. John K. Nelson ; 12. New Religious Movements. Roy C. Amore ; CREDITS ; INDEX

About the Author :
The late Willard G. Oxtoby, the original editor of this work, was professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, where he launched the graduate program in the study of religion. His books include Experiencing India and The Meaning of Other Faiths. Alan F. Segal is professor of religion and Igeborg Rennert professor of Jewish studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. He has written extensively in the fields of comparative religion, Judaism, and early Christianity. His books include Rebecca's Children, Paul the Convert, and Life after Death.

Review :
"This is a good, solid edition usable in a wide variety of classroom settings."--William Acres, Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario "A Concise Introduction to World Religions is a clear and accessible text that will surely hold students' attention. Among the numerous introductory texts on world religions, I consider it one of the best."--Tim Labron, Concordia University College "This is one of the most clearly written of all the world religions textbooks I have viewed. My students would appreciate the clear writing style." --Curtis D. Smith, Penn State University