World Religions: Western Traditions

by Willard G. Oxtoby (Editor), Amir Hussain

Building upon its already strong foundation, the third edition of World Western Traditions examines in detail the major Western religious Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Islam, and religions of the ancient world. Featuring work from renowned contributors, this
rich and descriptive text discusses the historical basis for the religious traditions, shows how they have developed over time, and explains how they are now situated in the contemporary world.

New to this

* Full redesign featuring four-color throughout, 65 photos, and 6 maps
* An introductory chapter ("Why Religion?") that explores the origins of religion and some of the basic elements that traditions around the world share
* A concluding chapter ("Current Trends in Religion") examining how various traditions are responding to contemporary issues in such areas as politics, bioethics, gender, environment, and interfaith dialogue
* New chapters on ancient religions (Chapter 2), indigenous traditions (Chapter 6), and new religious movements (Ch 7)
* More coverage of the role of women throughout
* Pedagogical features including "Traditions at a Glance" boxes, scripture boxes, bolded key terms, a glossary, and recommended websites
* A Companion Website featuring resources for both students and instructors

Ideal for courses western religions and comparative religions, World Western Traditions, Third Edition, combines a historically descriptive perspective with a spirit of sympathetic fascination.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

462 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 1996

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a class I took over the summer at Pitt. We mainly read the chapters that dealt with the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but even then it was a lot of material to take in during a small period of time. I spent one afternoon looking over the chapter on New Religions (Scientology is as crazy as I thought it was) and was not disappointed. I only skimmed through the chapters on Native American religions and European paganism, but it was enough to get a general knowledge; it also did not contain much new material. The textbook is actually a great read and while it can be boring like most textbooks are, the historical material can be really fascinating. I highly recommend it either as something to peruse through or to seriously consider reading.

The material on Islam is superb. The reason I chose to put this on my "Read" list is because the chapter on Islam alone gives a more vivid picture of the religion than some books that are entirely devoted to the subject.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars is more accurate. The final couple of chapters were not nearly as well constructed as the early ones. I learned a lot, probably should have read this when I was in the class instead of years later. Very interesting though. I appreciated learning the background and in depth definitions of terms commonly heard in the media and elsewhere.

[Belle Meade School]

291

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The focus is on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. There is a companion volume on Eastern Traditions. The focus gives more space than most books on world religions.

[Czarny Pies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a text book for a comparative religions undergraduate course. Unless you are headed for graduate school, this book might tell you all you ever need to know about the similarities and differences between the three great religions which were founded int he middle east and have the same god: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Zoroastrianism which is also from the same region and which Islam deems to worhship the same God is covered as well.

This book is excellent. It outlines the basic theologies of the four religions in a very clear fashion. Best of all, it avoids comment on all current controversies and maintains a strict focus on the religions in the own right.

This is a very readable textbook that outside of the classroom that is as helpful to casual readers as it is to the college undergraduate.

[Robert Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best single volume introduction to Western religious traditions. Provides students with the historical, conceptual and technical grounding necessary for further study. I assigned this text to my classes when I was teaching Western religions.

[Chris Gager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another selection based on a course I took at Metro State in 71-72. I have no idea what exact textbook(s) we used. Date is approximate.

[Ryan Daley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting text book with basic overview... Not worth reading unless you really needed to for school.

[Belle Meade School]

291