A World Religions Reader

Providing a comprehensive exploration of the teachings and beliefs of the world s living faiths, the third edition of this popular book has been revised and updated to reflect the vibrant role religion plays in the twenty–first century. The World Religions Reader:
Explores the unique nature of various faiths by introducing their traditions and rituals, ethical dimensions, and modern expressions Combines excerpts from sacred texts with reflections from a range of classic and contemporary thinkers – from the Bhagavad Gita and the Qur′an to Maimonides and Martin Luther King, Jr. Significantly expands material on Christianity, with a greater emphasis on the diversity of the tradition as expressed in Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Protestantism Broadens its coverage with new chapters on Emerging Religions, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Indigenous Religions Considers the profound impact of 9/11 on the major religions and the effect it has had on our perceptions of others, and on interfaith communication Includes numerous reader–friendly features, such as key terms sections, summary reviews of major beliefs and significant events, a glossary, and revision and comparative questions.

1. Purpose and Method.

2. Indigenous Religion.

3. Hinduism.

4. Jainism.

5. Buddhism.

6. Chinese Religion.

7. Shintoism.

8. Zoroastrianism.

9. Judaism.

10. Christianity.

11. Islam.

12. Sikhism.

13. Emerging Religions.

14. Secular Humanism.

Ian S. Markham is the Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including: the two–volume The Blackwell Companion to the Theologians (2009), Understanding Christian Doctrine (2007), Do Morals Matter? (2006), A Theology of Engagement (2004), and Encountering Religion (1998), all published by Wiley–Blackwell.

Christy Lohr′s scholarly research focuses on the theology of religions debate and inter–religious dialogue. She is the Associate Editor of the quarterly journal Reviews in Religion & Theology and a contributor to The Blackwell Companion to the Theologians (2009). She has served on the board of directors of the North American Interfaith Network and worked with the World Council of Churches where she coordinated its 2005 Interfaith Education Project.

"This new edition of the World Religions Reader expands an already useful textbook – making it an improved resource for introducing world religions. By presenting excerpts from sacred texts and voices from within the traditions, this book provides more than mere facts about various beliefs; it allows insight into the worldviews and ethical concerns of adherents, making it the most valuable Reader on World Religions to date to any student or teacher that seeks to study or teach the religious traditions of the world." S . Wesley Ariarjah, Drew University

"An accessible and sympathetic introduction to the world′s religions as understood by their adherents." Ingrid Mattson, Hartford Seminary, USA

This is the Reader I have long been looking for. It will enhance and enliven any standard textbook by enabling students not just to understand but to feel, not just to study but to pass over to, what these religious communities have been and what they offer our contemporary world. Paul F. Knitter, Union Theological Seminary, New York (of a previous edition)