This book combines study of the dynamic historical development of each religious tradition with a comparative thematic structure. In this way; the book helps readers to explore each of the major religions as a unique and integral system of meaning and life. At the same time; readers are encouraged to discover and explore the nature of religious experience by comparing basic themes and issues common to all religions. Covering the religions arising from India; China; Japan; and the Mediterranean world; this book introduces the key dimensions of religious experience; outlining the basic human concerns that give rise to religious experience; such as origin and identity; ultimate reality; human nature; and the good life. For anyone interested in exploring the origins and development of the diverse religions of the world.
#567262 in Books 2003-11-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .80 x 6.90l; 1.14 #File Name: 0130983896336 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Pretty good bookBy MD. R.This book is pretty good as it covers everything in the history of Islamic civilization in chronological order; including a number of things I never knew of before (For example; the fact that the sunni Abbasid caliph was at one point pretty much controlled by the shia Buyid).A downside to the book I've noticed is that a few of the events are either not covered extensively or I've read differing accounts of it (For example; the part pertaining to the rise of the Seljuk Empire; in regards to the origins/rise of it's founders Tughril and Chaghri).However; another good thing about this book is that it covers the origins and beliefs surrounding the different sects quite well. In fact; a few of them such as the Jabariyya; I have not read about elsewhere. It also has good information with regards to the Mutazili controversy.I bought this book for class; and I believe the Professor followed the book pretty closely. I learnt a good number of things from it; and would definitely recommend non-students to buy this book as well. There's a lot to be learnt from it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. greatBy richard fullergreat3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Good textbookBy Afld ManagerI got this book for a college class and actually found it to be a pretty good read. A lot better than a lot of other texts that I have been subjected to. It seemed factual without being biased to one side or the other.
