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Sacred Paths of the East, The 2/e
Theodore M. Ludwig
Published November 2000 by Prentice Hall
Copyright 2001, 336 pp., Paper
ISBN: 0-13-029357-1
List Price:
$52.00
Inventory Status:
In-Stock
   
Preface
Summary

This unique book allows readers to examine each of the world's major religions as a unique system of meaning, and at the same time, it lets them explore the inner nature of sacred experience by comparing basic themes and issues common to all religions and pertinent to their own personal lives. It begins with a discussion of the basic human questions and concerns relating to religion—e.g., origin and identity, ultimate reality, human nature, and the good life—and then uses these essential concepts to help describe the beliefs, practices, and historical development of each religion. KEY TOPICS: Chapter topics include religions arising from India, and the religions of China and Japan. Also covered are basic gender issues; and the role of women in major world religions. For individuals interested in religious studies, theology, and philosophy, and anyone looking to draw more personal meaning from the inner experiences found in different religions.
Features

  • NEW - Up-to-date information and recent scholarly perspectives—Incorporated throughout.

    • Introduces students to the most current coverage available. Ex.___

  • NEW - Geographical groupings of religions—Looks at religions geographically—from India, China, Japan, and the Mediterranean World—and according to families of religions within that overall structure.

    • Helps students understand relationships between faiths. Ex.___

  • NEW - Simplified historical sections—Especially in the complex traditions of India and of China.

    • Offers students the information they need without overwhelming them with details. Ex.___

  • NEW - Expanded Discussion Questions at the end of each chapter.

    • Guides students in thinking about the material in each chapter and provides them with convenient review guides. Ex.___

  • Extensive use of quotations from the sacred scriptures of each religion.

    • Helps students get a sense of the power of these sacred texts. Ex.___

  • A unique, historical-descriptive/ comparative-thematic approach that encompasses each major religion.

    • Allows students to examine each of the world's major religions as a unique system of meaning, and at the same time, it lets them explore the inner nature of sacred experience by comparing basic themes and issues common to all religions and pertinent to their own personal lives. Ex.___

  • Basic human questions and concerns.

    • Provides students with an interest-absorbing starting point for the description of each religion and a link to their own lives. Ex.___

  • A thematic and empathic approach.

    • Encourages students to draw more personal meaning from the inner experiences found in different religions. Ex.___

  • Basic gender issues and the role of women in the major world religions.

    • Demonstrates how women have influenced and been impacted by their faiths. Ex.___
Table of Contents

I. EXPLORING THE SACRED PATHS.

  1. Perspectives on Religious Experience.

  2. Beginnings of the Human Religious Adventure.

II. RELIGIONS ARISING FROM INDIA.

  3. Hindu Sacred Story and Historical Context.

  4. Hindu Worlds of Meaning.

  5. Hindu Ritual and the Good Life.

  6. Buddhist Sacred Story and Historical Context.

  7. Buddhist Worlds of Meaning.

  8. Buddhist Ritual and the Good Life.

  9. The Path of the Jains.

10. The Way of the Disciples: The Sikhs.

III. RELIGIONS OF CHINA AND JAPAN.

11. Chinese Sacred Story and Historical Context.

12. Chinese Worlds of Meaning.

13. Ritual Practices and the Good Life in China.

14. Japanese Sacred Story and Historical Context.

15. Japanese Worlds of Meaning.

16. Ritual Practices and the Good Life in Japan.

Epilogue.



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