Hidden religion : the greatest mysteries and symbols of the world's religious beliefs

Description

Covering secret societies, mysterious ancient traditions, and the often-mistaken history of the world's religious symbols, this book takes readers on a tour through the fascinating world of religious symbolism and reveals the most mysterious and misunderstood facets of religion. • Provides fascinating historical and contextual information about religious traditions and symbols • Addresses the roots of some of today's most popular superstitions and conspiratorial theories • Focuses primarily on religions that are dominant or are becoming widespread within the United States, allowing students to gain a better understanding of religion in American society and greater appreciation for cultural diversity • Develops a unique thesis about utilizing religious archetypes to facilitate understanding of religious ritual and organizations • Includes a phonetic pronunciation guide with each entry to help students become comfortable with unfamiliar terminology