Publisher Description

This book is a revised and updated edition of a popular work, which looks at the world's religions in terms of world history, and as constantly developing systems of belief. Part I traces the development of religions, as they evolved from the traditions of the ancient world. Part II examines the changes to faiths and cultures following the Renaissance and the voyages of conquest and discovery, and asks how, why, and with what effect religions have been refashioned over the ages up to today. In this richly illustrated new edition, religions are described through their symbols, rituals, followers, architecture and art. References, statistics, maps and pictures have been updated and added, illuminating the true nature of each religion. The text has been thoroughly revised to highlight recent developments, such as the spread of Islam, African-American and Hispanic-American religious experience, and women priests.

Notes

A richly illustrated book containing descriptions of different religions and their associated symbols, rituals, followers, and art. Also contains updated statistics, maps and pictures, with revised texts highlighting recent developments. Second edition.

Author Biography

Ninian Smart is J. F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Among his many books are "Buddhism and Christianity: Rivals and Allies" (1993), "Choosing a Faith" (1995), and "The Religious Experience" (5th edition, 1996).

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; Part I: 1. Earliest religions; 2. South Asia; 3. China; 4. Japan; 5. Southeast Asia; 6. The Pacific; 7. The Americas; 8. The ancient Near East; 9. Persia and Central Asia; 10. The Greek and Roman world; 11. Classical and medieval Christianity and Judaism; 12. Classical and medieval Islam; 13. Classical African religions; Part II: 14. The explosion of Europe and the re-forming of Christianity; 15. North America; 16. South Asia and reactions to colonial intervention; 17. China and Korea in modern times; 18. Modern Southeast Asia; 19. Japan in modern times; 20. Islam passes through the shadows; 21. The colonial impact in the Pacific; 22. Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union; 23. Africa in the modern world; 24. Latin America and the Caribbean; 25. Some final reflections on global religion; Bibliography; Credits; Index.

Review

'Richly illustrated, religions are described through their symbols, rituals, architecture and art. Full of maps and statistics, this popular title is a must for anyone exploring this field, and is [] up-to-date.' Publishing News "The World's Religion's is recommended as a basic introduction, and quite possibly for the circulating as well as reference collection." Choice

Review Quote

"The World's Religion's is recommended as a basic introduction, and quite possibly for the circulating as well as reference collection." Choice

Promotional "Headline"

A new edition of a beautifully produced, popular book with an up-to-date approach.

Description for Bookstore

In this richly illustrated new edition, religions are described through their symbols, rituals, followers and art. References, maps and pictures have been updated and the text thoroughly revised to highlight recent developments, e.g. Islam's spread, African-American religious experience, and women priests.

Description for Library

In this richly illustrated new edition, religions are described through their symbols, rituals, followers and art. References, maps and pictures have been updated and the text thoroughly revised to highlight recent developments, e.g. Islam's spread, African-American religious experience, and women priests.

Details