Understanding the Religions of the World: An Introduction

Understanding the Religions of the World is an innovative and engaging introduction to the study of religion and religions. In addition to providing exceptionally clear and readable discussions of a wide range of religious traditions, it helps students understand how each religion “works,” and how religious beliefs and practices create worlds of meaning.

The comprehensive coverage explores the major religious traditions including African religions and the religion of Oceania, which are rarely treated in introductory texts. Each chapter is written by or in conjunction with an area expert, includes a discussion of the religion’s historical development, and then focuses on contemporary beliefs and practices. Understanding the Religions of the World also includes a chapter on change in religion and new religions. The text is enhanced throughout with numerous images and maps, special interest boxes that develop ideas and provide more depth, study questions, a glossary, and a website offering helpful links, student materials, images, and other resources available on publication at www.wiley.com/go/deming.

Contributors vii

Preface for Teachers ix

A Note about the Chapter Features xii

About the Website xiii

Introduction 1

1 Hinduism 9

2 Buddhism 61

3 Chinese Religion 115

4 Japanese Religion 167

5 African Religions 201

6 Religions of Oceania 237

7 Judaism 269

8 Christianity 325

9 Islam 389

10 Change in Religions and New Religions 449

Glossary of Key Terms 481

Index 495

Will Deming is a Professor in the Department of Theology at the University of Portland. He specializes in Pauline Studies and his primary academic interests are in New Testament, early Christian literature, Second Temple Judaism, and Greco–Roman culture. His major publications include Rethinking Religion (2005) and Paul on Marriage and Celibacy, 2nd edition (2004).