Scriptures of the World's Religions

by James Fieser, John Powers

The fourth edition of Scriptures of the World's Religions brings together many of the world's most influential sacred texts. This text includes chapters on the twelve major religious traditions today, plus two chapters on indigenous religious practices. With comprehensive introductions in each chapter, the selected writings emphasize each religion's founders, central doctrines, and historical development. The translated texts in this collection, many of which were translated specifically for this book, are stylistically clear and up-to-date.

Genres: Religion, Textbooks, History, Nonfiction, Academics

560 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was super great and jammed pack with information even down to smaller aboriginal regions and many not common religions like Zoroastrianism and Baha'i Faith. It is not for everyone but I enjoyed it.

[Christina Baranczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are wanting to explore and learn about various religions. Very simple and helpful read.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very useful introduction to the world's religions. It covers not only the major religions, but also some of the smaller religions throughout the world (e.g. Native American beliefs), providing a nice overview that also discussed more than just the religions with a single deity. Each religion was briefly introduced by the authors providing just enough information to get a grasp on the important points that would be encountered in the scriptures. By far, the best part of the book was the fact that the majority is made up from excerpts of actual religious texts (with a brief introduction to orient the reader). In this way, while you get a context from the authors through the introduction, the majority of information you encounter comes from the religious texts themselves!

[Rapha Gabriel Benjamin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was quite disappointed actually I think it gives a narrow view of true religion and their scriptures, not giving an accurate historical account and not really expressing the true connection or commonality found within all world scripture. It really seems to miss the point and without it is only a second rate intellectual indulgence into academic understanding of the divine.

[Vincent Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome collection of religious writings. Lots of excellent, more obscure belief systems. Zoroastrianism, Shinto, Baha'i Faith, Sikhism, Jainism, African religion, Mesoamerican religion, Aboriginal religion.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting snapshot of the more dominant religions of the world and selected scriptures. Interesting to see how the scriptures are similar and vary from each other.