...isms: Understanding Religions

by Theodore Gabriel, Ronald Geaves

Following Understanding Art and Understanding Architecture comes a handy visual guide that offers synopses of the religions of the world and highlights their artistic and architectural manifestations. This one-stop resource to understanding human spiritual belief is organized into familiar groupings (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.), each of which is then further broken down into individual sects, denominations, or branches-in short, the "isms." Each ism gets a two-page spread that distills the basic tenets of the creed, identifies how it differs from other religions, highlights important historical figures (from popes to prophets and political or cultural notables) associated with the ism. In any culture, religion has always inspired art, architecture, and design. Each religion featured here is illustrated by the outstanding aesthetic achievements for which it is known, and it concludes with a helpful timeline that puts all the religions included into chronological context.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Dr. Theodore P.C. Gabriel is emeritus lecturer and Honorary Research Fellow in theology and religious studies at the University of Gloucestershire, England.

Education:
University of Madras, Chennai, India, B.A.;
University of Kerala, India, B.Ed.;
Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India, M.A.;
University of Aberdeen, Scotland, M.Litt., Ph.D.

Reviews

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd been looking for a book like this for a while. Great overview of the popular religions around the world, and the format was easy to navigate.

[أحمد دعدوش · Rating 3 out of 5]

good

[Cäroly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compact overview about religions in the world. A bit short and general.

[Andràș-Florin Răducanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

O trecere în revistă destul de decentă.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clearly identifies the differences between most of the major world religions. It doesn't go into great detail, but for those of us who are interested in simply broadening horizons vs. becoming encyclopedias, this book is perfect.

[Mary Ann (MAA) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small book which makes it very portable (if you don't have an e-reader), good for quick reference.

[Rachael Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small, concise, helpful introductions to the different isms and schisms in religion. Great for quick reference and for beginner's basic understandings.

[Petter Nordal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear and quite thorough overview of religious worldviews worldwide.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most basic of info for distinguishing between denominations and sects - Maybe enough to answer a trivia questions, but very few details.