World Religions: A Historical Approach

Description

This fourth edition of World Religions: A Historical Approach continues to be a general introduction to the academic study of world religions, both living and extinct. It provides a clear, straightforward account of the development, doctrines, scriptures, and practices of the more influential religions of the world. This means that each chapter includes the origin of a religion, followed by its historical development, division of groups, sacred writings, principal teachings, and major observances and festivals. Traditional viewpoints as well as scholarly opinions are presented in a balanced and accurate manner. Additional features in each chapter include study aids such as maps, timelines, photographs, study questions, and a list of suggested readings. The maps illustrate the distribution of religions as well as provide a sense of geographical reality to the historical discussions presented in the text. The timelines recapitulate the historical development of each religious tradition. The captions accompanying the photographs offer an insight into the characteristics of each tradition. Study questions focus on the central themes of the chapter, providing natural springboards for class discussion. A list of suggested reading is placed at the end of every chapter for further study and research. As in previous editions, there is a glossary at the end of the book (greatly expanded for this edition), which provides brief explanations of technical terms. Terms are also boldfaced in the text so students are aware that a term is defined. The only departures from this pattern are the first and last chapters: "Study of World Religions" and “Religions: A Comparison." The former describes learning strategies appropriate to the academic study of world religions, including definitions of religion, and the history of scholarly methods and goals. The latter offers a conceptual framework for comparing the central categories of religious thought in an emerging global culture with its scientific and technological achievements. Cover Half Title Imprint Preface Contents Maps and Time Lines About the Author World Religions: A Chronology 1 Study of World Religions Proper Point of View Definitions of Religion Critical Studies of Religion Classification of Religions Approach of This Text Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes PART ONE RELIGIONS OF THE PAST 2 Prehistoric Religion Early Human Life Archeological Discoveries Works of Art Tombs and Monuments Study Questions Suggested Reading 3 Egyptian Religion Egyptian Civilization Basic Beliefs Important Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 4 Mesopotamian Religion Mesopotamian Civilization Basic Beliefs Important Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 5 Greek Religion Greek Civilization Basic Beliefs Philosophers Dramatists Popular Religion Mystery Religions Mythology Festivals Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 6 Roman Religion Roman Civilization Basic Beliefs Greek Accretions Middle Eastern Mystery Cults Important Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading 7 Mayan and Aztec Religions Mayan Civilization Sources of Mayan Information Mayan Beliefs and Practices Aztec Civilization Sources of Aztec Information Aztec Beliefs and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading PART TWO RELIGIONS OF ORAL PEOPLE 8 African Religions Archeological Discoveries Traditional Religions Dinka Religion Yoruba Religion Basic Common Beliefs Important Practices Transformation of Traditions Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 9 American Indian Religions Origins of American Indians Sources of Information Basic Common Beliefs Important Practices Transformation of Traditions Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes PART THREE RELIGIONS OF INDIA 10 Hinduism Archeological Discoveries Hindu Characteristics Hindu Social Structure Hindu Sacred Texts Hindu Teachings Developments in Hinduism Hindu Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 11 Buddhism Buddhist Characteristics The Buddha Buddhist Groups Buddhist Sacred Texts Buddhist Teachings Buddhist Observances and Practices Buddhist Worldwide Expansion Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 12 Jainism Origins of Jainism Mahavira Jain Groups Jain Sacred Texts Jain Teachings Jain Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 13 Sikhism Origins of Sikhism Guru Nanak Succession of Sikh Gurus Sikh Groups Sikh Sacred Text Sikh Teachings Sikh Observances and Practices Modern Sikhism Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes PART FOUR RELIGIONS OF THE FAR EAST 14 Taoism and Confucianism Archeological Discoveries Chinese Characteristics Basic Early Beliefs Chinese Sacred Texts Period of Intellectual Activity Taoism (Daoism) Lao Tzu (Laozi) Taoist Groups Taoist Sacred Texts Taoist Teachings Confucianism Confucius Confucian Sacred Texts Confucian Teachings Spread of Confucianism Proscription of Religions Chinese Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 15 Shinto Shinto Characteristics Shinto Sacred Texts Shinto Mythology Shinto Teachings Syncretistic Character of Shinto Shinto As National Religion Shinto Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes PART FIVE RELIGIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST 16 Zoroastrianism Zoroaster Zoroastrian Sacred Texts Zoroastrian Teachings Zoroastrian Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 17 Judaism Characteristics of Judaism Abraham Moses Judaism through the Centuries Jewish Groups Jewish Scripture The Talmud and the Midrash Judaic Teachings Jewish Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 18 Christianity Christian Origins Jesus Christ Christian Scriptures Christian Teachings Christian Groups History of Early Christianity Christianity in the Middle Ages Recent Developments in Christianity Christian Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 19 Islam Origins of Islam Muhammad, Messenger of God Islam through the Ages Muslim Groups Muslim Scripture The Hadith (Tradition) Muslim Teachings Muslim Religious Duties Muslim Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 20 Baha‘i Baha'i Origins Baha’i Sacred Texts Bahai Teachings Baha’i Observances and Practices Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes PART SIX MODERN ALTERNATIVE RELIGIONS 21 New Syncretistic Groups Global Awareness Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church) Jehovah's Witnesses Christian Science Theosophy Society Self-Realization Fellowship Soka Gakkai International Subud Church of Scientology Unification Church (Moonies) Transcendental Meditation (TM) Church of All Worlds International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) The Healthy-Happy-Holy Organization (3HO) Falun Gong (Falun Dafa) Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes 22 Religions: A Comparison Role of Religion Traditional Faiths Questioned Unity or Diversity? Comparison of Paths Comparison of Goals East-West Comparison Study Questions Suggested Reading Notes Glossary Index