An essential guide to learning everything you need to know about the history, central practices, and the key teachings of many religions. A compelling and insightful guide for uncovering and understanding a variety of the world's major religions. This book will be the perfect gift for thinkers, borrowers, and students of religious studies and…
The world contains a bewildering variety of religions, each containing an equally bewildering variety of practices and beliefs.How have religions developed and become so widespread? Why do they matter so much to so many people? Why do some believe that their faith requires them to terrorize and kill others? Why do religions do harm as well as good?This is a book for those who ask such questions. Some of the answers we hear today seem entirely uncritical of religion, while others dismiss it as inherently toxic and destructive.John Bowker, one of the world's most distinguished scholars of religion, delivers a timely analysis of the issues. He shows how recent research, particularly in the neurosciences, genetics and evolution, throws new light on what religions are and on the part they have played in human life and history.His explanation of why religions are a force for both good and evil offers hope as well as insight for all who want to understand the many complex interactions between religion and politics today.
John Bowker demonstrates why we need to examine both negative and positive aspects of religion to understand religion in the modern world.
Religious beliefs have shaped the history of the world. Their effect can be seen in culture, philosophy and politics, and they have inspired people to serve others and to create great works of art, architecture and music. Yet differences in belief can cause bloodshed and war. Never before has it been more urgent to understand the great religions if we are to make sense of our 21st century world, its achievements and its conflicts. This new, revised edition of Beliefs That Changed the World tells the story of the major faiths from their earliest beginnings to their present day impact.
Who or what is God? How do different religions interpret God's existence? How can we know God?Many people believe in God; not just throughout history but also in the present day. But who or what is it they believe in? Many different and sometimes conflicting answers have been suggested to this question. This Very Short Introduction explores some of the answers provided by philosophers, poets, and theologians, and considers why some people believe in God and others do not.John Bowker explores how the major religions established their own distinctive beliefs about God and how they interpret God's existence, and concludes by looking at how our understanding of God continues to evolve.ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Through a series of interviews with Muslims representing diverse perspectives within Islamic thought, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the complexities and nuances of a major world religion. It explores various beliefs, practices, and cultural contexts, aiming to foster understanding and dialogue about Islam in today's global landscape.
An Introduction to Jewish Interpretations of Scripture
This book offers an in-depth exploration of its subject, highlighting recent advancements and discoveries that have shaped the field. It serves as a valuable resource for both newcomers and those familiar with the topic, ensuring a thorough understanding of contemporary developments and their implications.
Extraordinary New Discoveries Linking Science and Religion
Exploring the interplay between reason and emotion, this thought-provoking work delves into how our beliefs and judgments are shaped. Drawing on recent neuroscientific research, it challenges the traditional view of separating rationality and emotional responses. The author argues that faith and belief are intertwined with rational thought, leading to profound implications for understanding human identity, ethics, and consciousness. By addressing significant issues in science and religion, it offers original insights into the nature of truth and morality.
This book explores the concept of suffering through a comparative lens, examining how Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Marxism, Hinduism, and Buddhism address this universal human experience. It delves into the philosophical and theological perspectives of each tradition, highlighting their unique interpretations and responses to suffering. By analyzing these diverse viewpoints, the study aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding pain and resilience across cultures and belief systems.
Explains Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and more key faiths with annotations and illustrations. This book provides insight into the key practices, figures and images of each religion. It is aimed at those beginning their exploration into faith, or at those just needing a reference tool.