A Pocket Essential Short Introduction to Religion

by Gordon Kerr

During this time of conflict and suspicion, it is perhaps more important than ever to understand the beliefs and philosophies of other cultures.
A Short History of Religion provides a useful guide to the world's most popular religions - Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism - describing their origins and history, beliefs, worship and sacred writings, but also investigates many of the smaller and lesser known religions as well as newer movements such as Scientology, Wicca and Raëlism.
Praise for Gordon Kerr
'Factual and even-handed, Kerr presents a fair-minded introduction of basic Chinese history' - Booklist
'Thoroughly rewarding' - Travelmag
'Informative, fascinating and extremely well-researched...Gordon Kerr's book is a mini masterpiece' - ABC Brisbane

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2019

About the author

Gordon Kerr was born in the Scottish new town of East Kilbride and worked in the wine trade and then bookselling and publishing before becoming a full-time writer. He is the author of numerous books in a variety of genres, including art, history, true crime, travel and humour. He has a wife and two children and lives in Hampshire and—when he can—South West France.

Reviews

[Max Spreadborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting overview of various religions. My particular favOurites were the sections on prehistoric religions and independent belief systems. The book is written in a very accessible way, it doesn't overwhelm you with confusing or unfamiliar terminology. would recommend it as a jumping-off point for anyone interested in Religious Studies.

Religions covered (my favourites starred):
- Prehistoric religions ⭐
- Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Roman religions
- Celtic, Norse, Slavic ("Nomadic") religions ⭐
- Pre-Colombian religion (Mayan, Aztec, Inca etc.) ⭐
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Jainism ⭐
- Chinese religion (Confucianism, Daoism/Taoism)
- Japanese religion (Shinto)
- Judaism
- Christianity
- Islam
- Independent belief systems (Bahá'í, atheism, agnosticism, natural beliefs, Rastafarianism, Santeria, Candomblé) ⭐
- New Age religions

[Iulian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not sure how to review this book, because on one hand it does what it should, bring a very short and light introduction to the religions around the world, but it seems to not bring up some important aspects of those religions.
The book has Oxford Press type books as reference, and condenses the information with a simple and accessible writing style, the problem is that it is forgettable as well.
Considering the book covers only the basics, reading wikipedia will probably be an ok source for the same information.

[Felicia Kleon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short introduction as it say on the title, it gives enough information as it introduce me to several religious movement that I have no idea about before, but have sort of bland writing style.
But a good starting point I guess.

[Dagmara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to understand the origin and ideas behind multiple religions. Gives another perspective on everything that's happening in the world.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and a good summary of a great number of religious beliefs, but leaves out significant aspects of many faiths (some of which are defining)