The Long Search

by Ninian Smart

A fresh and rewarding quest through the living religions of the world. Seek and considers the universal similarities of different religions, and describes the social, pschological, aesthetic, and political effects of each faith

Genres: Christianity

315 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a companion book to a 1977 BBC/PBS documentary television series, so it is not really that deep or thoroughly academic in its perspective. That being said, it works as a good introduction to the study of comparative religion. Bits are dated, such as its descriptions of the influence and power of Marxism, or the Californian love of Buddhism (still there, but certainly very different than the 1970s). An interesting read, but only useful if the reader goes on to learn more, as it is meant as broad-overview introduction. I have had the book ever since seeing the series in on PBS in '77 or '78, but only now got around to reading it.