World Religions

An essential guide to religion that explores and explains the history and key teachings of the world's five main religions--Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism--alongside newer faiths. Baffled by Buddhism? Confused by Catholicism? Mystified by Mysticism? Discover everything you need to know about the world's major religious faiths. World Religions examines the central practices, important figures, and key teachings of many different religions, from Zoroastrianism--the oldest "living" religion--and the great faiths practised today, to newer religions such as Scientology. Each of the major faiths--Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam--is examined in detail through its sacred texts, epic imagery, key beliefs, and religious artifacts. Modern alternative religions and spiritual beliefs from around the world are also explored and set into the context of the political, social, and cultural climates from which they emerged. Compelling and accessible, World Religions is the perfect guide for students of religious study, or anyone interested in the ideas of ancient and present day faiths and religious philosophies.