The Portable World Bible

by Robert O. Ballou (Editor)

The Portable World Bible presents the fundamental tenets of the world's basic source religions. Contemporary readers are offered, in concise, authoritative translations, the religious thought of the ages, selected, interpreted, and arranged in view of modern man's quest for ultimate truths and values. Robert O. Ballou, the volume's editor, has omitted mere stories, history, and ceremonial detail; what remains in every case is the essence of religion, set down with a clarity and simplicity never before achieved. The Portable World Bible is an unparalleled work of poetic and ethical inspiration, a book that makes a deep appeal to the mind and spirit.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism

605 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1944

Reviews

[Erin Weigand]

This book was written by my great grandfather.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic compendium of world religions.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable and informative primer to the basic theology and moral philosophies of eight of the worlds most influential religious traditions. I recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of human faith and morality.

However, the book was originally compiled and published in 1944 based on a larger compilation put together in 1939. The translations are dated and lack influence recent scholarship, and the world view of the editor is markedly Euro-centrist. This was especially evident in the amount of pages dedicated to the Judeo-Christian scriptures compared to the other faiths, and even more so in the fact they were combined and referred to as the "Old Testament" and "New Testament" rather than separated into the Jewish scriptures and Christian scriptures.

Despite all these potential problems I still recommend this book for the interested reader; and hope that some enterprising soul will see fit to update the book more thoroughly in the near future.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was published back during WWII, so the texts, terminology and translations aren't up-to-date. Nevertheless, this was a path breaking concept: to include excerpts from the scriptures of the world's major religions together in one book. It still reads well. It reminds one how much can be gained from studying all of the religious traditions of the world, not just one or two. The truth is not only out there, but is to be found in every soul.

[Tiffani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Portable World Bible provides an overview of several of the world's religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Confucianism, and Taoism. Every section begins with an introduction to the religion, followed by excerpts from various texts sacred to that belief system. By the end I had some idea of how different religions relate to one another.

[Shelley Schanfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I've carried around since childhood. Perhaps dated, but the concept—a collection of scripture showing the teachings of the world's great religions—had a lifelong effect on my own spiritual views.

[W James]

Purchased used in the early 80's, probably at Book Revue in Huntington, NY. A good reference, at times, but I have yet to read it cover to cover. I will, eventually...

[Annie]

For my exploring world religions class.