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The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World's Religions

by: Toropov, Brandon; Buckles, Luke

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World's Religions

by: Toropov, Brandon; Buckles, Luke

ISBN 13:
9780028617305
ISBN 10:
0028617304
Format: Paperback
Copyright: 08/01/1997
Publisher: Alpha Books
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Summary

You're no idiot, of course. You can find India on a world map better than Columbus could, and you learned to pronounce the name of the new guy at work on his first day. But when it comes to understanding what your next-door neighbors believe, you feel like you just dropped in from another planet. Make yourself at home! The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World's Religions is the perfect introduction to the faiths and practices you've wondered about. Get comfortable with Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Shinto. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:

Part 1: Opening Up to Other Traditions

(28)

1 Why Learn About Other Faiths? Discover how you can use the information in this book to broaden horizons, to make sense of traditions and rituals associated with new family or social obligations (such as weddings and funerals), and to participate in the human family's ongoing search for meaning.

(8)

2 Lots of Different Names, Some Familiar Ideas Find out how, for all their differences, the world's religions share some very important common goals.

(10)

3 Speaking Softly and Dropping the Stick Find out why words mean a lot when it comes to determining "insider" and "outsider" status--and learn how to use questions, rather than statements, to help build bridges with people whose faiths seem unfamiliar

(8)

Part 2: Judaism

(28)

4 The Roots of Judaism Learn about the history of this diverse Covenant faith: The religion of the Hebrews of the Old Testament and of contemporary Judaism

(8)

5 Modern Jewish Experience Find out about the history and growth of the Jewish faith over the centuries, and the differences among its three main contemporary branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

(10)

6 Jewish Ritual and Celebration Learn what you need to know about holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur--and about the social and cultural traditions that mark important landmarks in Jewish life.

(8)

Part 3: Christianity

(30)

7 Christian Beginnings Learn about Christianity's Jewish roots, its history and development since the time of Jesus, and its most fundamental doctrines as reflected in the New Testament.

(10)

8 The Many Christian Denominations Learn about the diverse traditions that make up the religions of the Christian family: Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, and the many Protestant denominations. We'll also look at the other faiths inspired by the teachings of Jesus that function outside these three great divisions.

(12)

9 Christian Celebration Find out about the most important Christian traditions and holidays--and learn about their varied observances.

(6)

Part 4: Islam

(24)

10 The Early History of Islam Learn about the mission of the prophet Muhammad, the five obligations required of his followers, and the vital role of the sacred text known as the Qur'an.

(8)

11 The Later Development of Islam Learn about the Sunni and Shiite sects--and their complex relationship over the centuries--as well as other Muslim traditions, such as the Sufi movement.

(8)

12 Ramadan and Other Observances Find out about daily worship rituals, and about the holy ninth month of the Muslim calendar.

105

(6)

Part 5: Hinduism

111

(26)

13 That Old-time Religion Learn about the prehistoric origins of Hinduism, its development over perhaps four thousand years, and the close association of its rituals, practices, and texts (such as the Bhagavad Gita) with the people of India.

113

(10)

14 God's Many Faces Find out about the principal deities of Hinduism, and about the incredible diversity of this faith's many sects and practitioners.

123

(8)

15 Respect for Life and Personal Growth Learn about the principle of reincarnation and Hinduism's emphasis on personal spiritual purification, rather than regular worship with a congregation.

131

(6)

Part 6: Buddhism

137

(26)

16 The Prince Who Left the Palace: Buddhist Origins and Doctrine Discover the origins of Buddhism in the momentous decision of Prince Gatauma to disobey his royal father's orders...and explore the real world on his own.

139

(8)

17 Mahayana and All That Learn about the two great divisions of the Buddhist faith, their differing approaches to the spiritual life, and the many movements within each.

147

(8)

18 Zen and Other Buddhist Schools Popular in the West Learn about the history and development of Zen, as well as other Buddhist schools that have recently risen in the West.

155

(8)

Part 7: Nature, Man, and Society in Asia

163

(28)

19 Confucianism: Human Relations 101 Discover the profound wisdom of this ancient Chinese system of ethical thought.

165

(10)

20 Taoism: The Effortlessly Followed Path Find out about the simple, open, natural pursuit of "the way" exemplified in the teachings of Lao-Tzu.

175

(8)

21 Shinto: Harmony and Clarity Learn about the traditions and history of the indigenous faith of Japan.

183

(8)

Part 8: Old Paths, New Paths

191

(36)

22 Nonscriptural Nature Religions Learn about faiths in Africa and North America that emphasize ritual and the natural experience.

193

(8)

23 Modern Times: New Forms Learn about new modes of worship and observance that have emerged for contemporary believers.

201

(16)

24 All Down in Black and White Discover points of contact between the major religions that will allow you to find common ground with virtually anyone on the Big Questions.

217

(10)

Appendix A

227

(14)

Appendix B

241

(8)

Glossary

249

(10)

Index

259

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World's Religions

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World's Religions

9780028617305

0028617304

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World's Religions

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World's Religions

9780028617305

0028617304

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

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