A Concise Introduction to World Religions

by Roy C. Amore, Amir Hussain, Willard G. Oxtoby

Based on the bestselling two-volume World Eastern and Western Traditions , A Concise Introduction to World Religions , Fourth Edition, is ideal for single-semester courses. Renowned expert contributors trace the origins and evolution of the major traditions, explain their essential
teachings, outline their practices, and examine their interactions with modern culture and society, while insightful introductory and concluding essays suggest countless avenues for further reflection and study. Engaging pedagogy throughout helps students appreciate and understand world
"Focus" boxes provide insight into rituals or practices that are specific to each religion; "Tradition at a Glance" boxes offer an insightful overview of each tradition, facilitate comparative analysis, and serve as quick review references; "Sites" boxes indicate locations of special significance to
each tradition; "Document" boxes highlight key passages from each tradition's sacred texts; "Sacred Texts" tables outline the process of compiling and revising the fundamental texts for each tradition as well as their oral, legal, and ritual uses; Chapter study questions and glossaries, detailed
maps, timelines, and recommended websites and further readings provide students with additional support.

Password-protected instructor resources that include the Instructor's Manual, Test Bank, and Lecture Outlines are available on the book's Ancillary Resource Center. Visit the book's free, open-access Companion Website for the student resources featuring Self Quizzes and Study Guides.

Teaser/HE A pedagogically rich introduction to the world's major religious traditions, from their origins, through their development, to their meaning and practice in today's society.

Genres: History, Textbooks

648 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2015

Reviews

[Ron Me]

Four editors, but in need of an editor. This book is littered with mistakes, errors and even wrong definitions. Only two of the contributors even attempt to define what they mean by "religion". It doesn't mention many significant religions while spending time on very minor ones, perhaps limited by the contributors' lack of experience. The book has a very distinct Christian bias and terminology, although perhaps this is partially justified by its presumed audience, young white Christian males.

On the good side, it mentions a number of references with which I was not familiar; and so far, it 's the best book on the subject I've come across, which is more sad than good. Oxford, how about a fourth edition?

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot and was grateful for the overview. However, I found some errors, particularly concerning my faith tradition. When I looked up the reference material, I found that the author of the essay which included my religion had relied upon a highly biased and negative source.