Featuring a unique, consistent, and modular chapter structure--"Teachings," "Way of Life," and "History"--and numerous pedagogical features,Invitation to World Religionsinvitesstudents to explore the world's great religions with respect and a sense of wonder. It describes the essential features of each religion and shows how they have responded to basic human needs and to the cultural contexts in which they developed. The authors also encourage students to develop an appreciation of what religious beliefs and practicesactually meanto their adherents. FEATURES: A consistent, modular chapter structure--"Teachings," "Way of Life," and "History"--enables students to focus on content rather than trying to navigate each chapter anew Voices:In personal, candid interviews, a diverse array of people share the ways in which they live their faiths Visual guides:Keys to important religious symbols--in easy-to-read tables--offer quick reference and comparison points Chapter-opening mapsprovide geographical context for each religion's development Timelineshelp students trace the evolution of each religion within its larger social and political context Seeking Answerssections at the end of each chapter encourage students to constructively compare the ways in which different religions address the same essential questions For Review questionsprompt students to reexamine essential concepts For Further Reflection questionsinvite students to think critically and to engage in deeper analyses Key Termsare boldfaced at their first appearance and defined in the glossary that follows each chapter AGlossaryat the back of the book includes all of the key terms from the text Suggestions for Further Readingdirect students to some of the best and most recent print and online resources on each tradition A wealth of rich, robust, and relevant color photographs and illustrationskeep students visually engaged AnInstructor's Manual with Computerized Test Bank on CD,downloadableLearning Management System Cartridges,and aCompanion Websiteprovide additional resources