A College Introduction to Religion

Brings together a variety of sources written by experts and professors of religion to help students both understand and appreciate the religions of the world. The anthology shows students that religious thought and practices often transcend traditional places of worship, finding their way into the most mundane places of everyday life.

A College Introduction to Religion brings together a variety of sources written by experts and professors of religion to help students both understand and appreciate the religions of the world. The anthology shows students that religious thought and practices often transcend traditional places of worship, finding their way into the most mundane places of everyday life. Students also learn how religious beliefs and values influence cultures, languages, and values around the world. The volume contains three parts. In Part I, students read articles about the tenuous nature of defining "religion" and how to approach the study of world religions. The readings in Part II examine religions by region, including African traditional religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Chinese religions. The final part considers the future of religion, inviting the reader to think critically about what the world might be like with or without religion. Modern in approach and containing insightful articles, A College Introduction to Religion is ideal for foundational courses in theology and world religions.