Anthology of World Scriptures

by Robert E. Van Voorst

With ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES, you will encounter the most notable and instructive sacred texts from the major world religions, including: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in addition to scriptures new religious movements including: Baha'i, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Christian Science Church, and the Unification Church. ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES presents scripture readings in context, providing students with a framework that shows how each religion is actually practiced today, as well as its history, teachings, organization, ethics and rituals. To ensure their accessibility and ease of use, readings are supported by introductions, study questions, glossaries, extensive footnotes, timelines, scriptural charts and suggestions for further reading by the editor. The companion website features a Zoom Gallery powered by Google Earth, an interactive study tool which brings the geography, lands, and religious sites to life.

Genres: Religion, Textbooks, Reference, School, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Education

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I originally got this as a textbook for a world religions class in college and I remember enjoying it at the time. After skimming through it again, however, I realize that I most likely attributed my enjoyment of the class to this book--I did read this in conjunction with several other texts, which I still peruse. Taking a second look, I realize that the author's explanations of each religion are seriously lacking, not to mention poorly written. While it is certainly beneficial to read a variety of ancient religious texts, this book may not be the best way to go about studying them. Many of the selections seem poorly chosen and inadequate. Additionally, at the end of each section, Van Voorst provides a list of "scriptures in films"... yeah, his movie choices are deplorable. Give me a break.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an excellent one volume anthology-survey of numerous world religions' holy scriptures, Van Voorst does an excellent job editing, compiling, and highlighting the importance of each world religion's scriptures. Moreover, he also offers the history, significance, cultural impact, and contemporary use of each religion's scripture respectively. Not only that, but this book contains primary sources of the aforementioned scriptures, which makes this text a great resource for referencing any religious scriptures, for example, from the Vedas to the Upanishads. A must have collection for the student of world religions, or the laymen who is interested in learning more about other world religion's primary sources.

Brent M. McCulley (10/17/13)

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for one to beome emersed in the insight of various cultural religious doctrines and traditions of the world. I must say that I read this as a college requirement with Huston Smiths The World's Religions, and I throughouly enjoyed it like my own choice of reading. What this book did for me is compliment Huston Smith by providing the backbone of the worlds religious doctrines. Huston provided the heart of the religions, and Voorst backed it up with the books and cultural practices. This is a must read for people who want to get a clear indepth insight to our world's religions. I am already letting my hairstylist borrow this book with Huston

[k.wing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little stale in the descriptions of each religion. At the same time, a nice compilation of important passages in the World's holy scriptures. I would recommend Huston Smith's The World's Religions over this book.

[Moses Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for quick reference. It covers major religions of man by citing primary texts and giving brief interpretations. A perhaps better read is Huston Smith's "World's Religions" (ISBN 0062508113)

[Rachael Mcclain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book for a college class, but found myself drawn to it when I was done with the class. I had some difficulty reading it, but I blame that on my lack of education going into it. It was, however, a wonderful resource for my World Religion class.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book offers some scripture and explanation, but it is questionable as to whether the scriptures offered provide a balanced look at various world religions.

[Belle Meade School]

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