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.

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.

A collection of 175 ideas which have changed the world are presented in this volume - from time to evolution, and anarchy to Zen. Using illustrations to bring the concepts to life, this thought-provoking book could be great for dinner party conversations.

Looks at some of the ideas, beliefs and ideologies that have shaped history and influence the way we live and think today.

Approaches the question of whether ideas--world views, principled beliefs, and causal beliefs--have an impact on political outcomes, and if so, under what conditions. Contributions address such topics as the weight of ideas in decolonization; human rights policies in the US and western Europe; change in Parliament in early Stuart England; and coping with terrorism--norms and internal security in Germany and Japan. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Authoritative, Compelling, provocative: internationally respected historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto introduces you to the key historical and philosophical notions that have shaped our world since the dawn of civilization. Over 175 of the world's most pivotal ideas are crystallized and clearly explained -- from cannibalism to zen, from time to the unconscious, from logic to chaos theory. The author's wide-ranging and unashamedly personal analysis is accompanied by a stimulating mix of contemporary and historical images, bringing often hard-to-grasp concepts vividly to life. Chronologically Arranged, the format of this book nevertheless allows you to start at the beginning or dip in at any point. The connections between ground-breaking ideas are highlighted throughout, along with expert suggestions for thought-provoking further reading.

From the light bulb, automobile and computer to vaccinations and tectonic theory, TIME reports on the most significant scientific and technological breakthroughs — in the form of ideas, inventions and discoveries — that have driven human progress. This book is both mentally and visually stimulating, showcasing beautiful and illuminating photographs, illustrations and graphics. Taking a look back through the most influential ideas that have changed the course of history, this book will take readers on an inspiring journey. From the early telescopes of Galileo to the forefront of American industry with Henry Ford's assembly line, TIME explores the worlds of those bright thinkers that shaped the future.

Ideas have consequences, sometimes far-reaching and world-changing. The Christian faith contains many volatile truths that challenged--and continue to challenge--the cultural and religious status quo of the world. This biblical, historical, and philosophical exploration of some of Christianity's most transformational ideas offers a unique look at how the world changed when Christ and his followers came on the scene. These ideas include the resurrection Jesus as God incarnate creation out of nothing the compatibility of faith and reason justification by grace through faith humankind in God's image the greater good of suffering Pastors, students, and thoughtful Christians will be strengthened to face contemporary challenges to these truths and will find the confidence to impact their world for Christ.

Arranged chronologically, presents the important thoughts and big ideas from the most brilliant minds of the past three thousand years, including St. Thomas Aquinas's five proofs of God's existence and the Freudian slip.

"Some beliefs and ideas change our society forever. Discover religions, myths, and more in this informative book, richly illustrated with beautiful images from the British Library collection."--Page 4 of cover.