In historical terms, religions do not exist apart from the people who practise them. This is the first collection of biographical studies of figures from religions around the globe and from traditions both ancient and modern. It represents the work of an enormous international team of scholars, and although many entries involve original research, this substantial work of reference is intended to be of use to both the specialist and the general reader. Particular care has been taken to ensure a balance between religions and to include figures from the diverse branches of the different religions. Indexes and an extensive bibliography make it an invaluable working tool.

Globalization and high-speed communication put twenty-first century people in contact with adherents to a wide variety of world religions, but usually, valuable knowledge of these other traditions is limited at best. On the one hand, religious stereotypes abound, hampering a serious exploration of unfamiliar philosophies and practices. On the other hand, the popular idea that all religions lead to the same God or the same moral life fails to account for the distinctive origins and radically different teachings found across the world’s many religions. Understanding World Religions presents religion as a complex and intriguing matrix of history, philosophy, culture, beliefs, and practices. Hexham believes that a certain degree of objectivity and critique is inherent in the study of religion, and he guides readers in responsible ways of carrying this out. Of particular importance is Hexham’s decision to explore African religions, which have frequently been absent from major religion texts. He surveys these in addition to varieties of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Maps and text present a guide to the historical development and current state of the world's religions.

From Islam and Judaism to Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormonism, quickly get a handle on 30 different belief systems and how they compare to Christianity with this pocket-sized book! Packed with clear overviews of world religions, World Religions Made Easy also compares the key beliefs of each world religion. With billions of people around the world believing in a religion other than Christianity, it is important to understand what they believe, how it compares to Christianity, and how to address common misunderstandings. See key information at a glance on each religion and cult, including: Each religion's origins and foundersKey writingsKey beliefsCommon practices and symbolsPerspective on salvation, Trinity, and the afterlife Some belief systems use similar terms, but define them in a totally different way. Strengthen your understanding of Christianity and get practical insight into different faiths so that you can be a more effective witness. 6 Key Features of Rose's World Religions Made Easy Handbook Solid and Up-to-Date Research. Researched by one of the top apologists and scholars in the field, this quick handbook was compiled by expert Paul Carden. Easy-to-Read and Scannable. With colorful sidebars and pull outs, it's easy to see dozens of facts at a glance. Highly Visual and Illustrated. See over 100 full-color pictures making it easier for you to understand each religion's beliefs, symbols, places of worship, founders, key texts, and more. Short and Concise. Includes brief summaries of the beliefs and basic history of 30 world religions, sects, cults, and new religious movements. Fascinating Facts. Packed with interesting insights on Christianity and other religions. Addresses Common Misconceptions. Includes a side-by-side chart that shows what other religions teach and how their beliefs compare to what the Bible teaches. Perfect for individual and group study, church libraries, Sunday school classes, missionaries, and more!

The diversity of the world's religions has come to the West, but believers are often ill-equipped for any kind of serious engagement with non-Christians. In Encountering World Religions, professor and author Irving Hexham introduces all the world's major religious traditions in a brief and understandable way. Hexham outlines key beliefs and practices in each religion, while also providing guidance on how to think critically about them from the standpoint of Christian theology. African, yogic, and Abrahamic traditions are all covered. Accessible and clear, Encountering World Religions will provide formal and lay students alike with a useful Christian introduction to the major faiths of our world.

Everything you want to know about the world’s religions: from beliefs and ceremonies to gods and sacred texts From Hinduism to Zoroastrianism take an in-depth look at all the major global religions, past and present. Discover how each religion started, exploring their origins and history, from the moment of its founding to its spread across the world today. Find out all about the Gods and prophets from a comprehensive who’s who profiling deities and holy figures of each faith. Plus learn about the religious practices and traditions of each belief system, from day-to-day devotions to key events in the religious calendar. An exciting addition to Eyewitness Companions; the visual reference series covering favourite hobbies and pastimes from Whisky and Opera to Horse Riding.

Completely revised and updated for the postmodern age, So What's the Difference? gives you easy-to-understand, nonjudgmental answers to the question, "How does orthodox biblical Christianity differ from other faiths?" Here Fritz Ridenour explains the basic tenets of Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, New Age, Mormonism, and other religions and belief systems of the world. You will also learn why relative thinking--the idea that there is no objective, absolute truth--has become the predominant mindset in our culture, and how you can respond. This bestselling guide will help you recognize the real differences between the Christian faith and other viewpoints and make it easier for you to explain and share your faith with others.

How does Christianity relate to other religions? Beginning with a consideration of the biblical perspective, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen offers a detailed and comprehensive survey of the diverse explanations proposed by teachers of the church down through the ages. This indispensable guide is for anyone seeking to grasp Christianity?s relationship to world religions.

Ninian Smart came to public prominence as the founding Professor of the first British university Department of Religious Studies in the late 1960s. His pioneering views on education in religion proved hugely influential at all levels, from primary schools to academic teaching and research. An unending string of publications, many of them accessible to the general public, sustained a reputation that became worldwide. Here, for the first time, a selection of Ninian Smart's wide-ranging writings is organised systematically under a set of categories which both comprehend and also illuminate his varied output over a career spanning half a century. The editor, John Shepherd, was Principal Lecturer in Religion and Philosophy at the University of Cumbria. He first met Smart as a postgraduate student, and recently helped establish the Ninian Smart Archive at the University of Lancaster.