Understanding the Religions of the World

A comprehensive and visually rich journey through the world's major religious traditions

Now in its second edition, Understanding the Religions of the World: An Introduction provides an engaging and accessible framework for analyzing the world's major religious traditions. Assuming no previous background in the subject, this student-friendly textbook features contributions from leading scholars that explore contemporary practices and beliefs in religions such as Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as often-overlooked traditions like the indigenous beliefs of Africa and Oceania.

Offering insights into how religions shape human experience and why they resonate with their followers, Understanding the Religions of the World contains chapters filled with expert analysis, up-to-date scholarship, informational boxes and figures, and more than 150 images, diagrams, and maps that enhance comprehension, strengthen critical thinking skills, and increase cultural awareness. This edition also introduces two new chapters, expanding coverage to include the study of religion and indigenous religions of the Americas.

Understanding the Religions of the World: An Introduction, is ideal for undergraduate and elite high school honors courses on religious studies, anthropology, comparative religion, and theology.