Widely adopted for its accessible style and comprehensive, yet concise, presentation, Religions of the World is ideal for students with no previous exposure to world religions. This best-selling text offers accurate, comparative descriptions of a broad range of religions. In addition to background material on religious theory and study, this text explores living religions in terms of the historical and cultural factors that produced them, the lives of their founders, their basic teachings, and their historical development and current status in the world. Primary source readings with specific representative samples are provided in each chapter.

Important features of Religions of the World 9e:

• Full-color "Portfolio of World Religions" photo sections--Full color photos enhance the impact of the religious imagery and engage students' attention.
• Full chapter-length coverage of African Religions, Baha'i, Native American Religions, and Zoroastrianism--Extended coverage of these religious groups is often missing in other texts.
• Expanded coverage of Islam and New Religious Movements--Brings students up-to-date with Islam post September 11; enhances students' understanding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the United States and the Falun Dafa in China.

• NEW - Updated “Religion Today” sections—Included in each chapter.

  • Gives students contemporary and more relevant material.

• NEW - Updated information of “new religions” and new variants of established traditions—Includes expanded coverage of African-American, Native American, and LDS Christianities.

  • Reflects for students the rapid growth and advances of these religions as well as their historical impact.

• NEW - Updated chapter on Islam.

  • Helps students understand the tragedies and aftermath of September 11, 2001.

• NEW - Instructor's Manual, Video CD-ROM, and Companion Website.

  • Provides students and instructorswith excellent course support.

• Large trim size and full-color “Portfolio of World Religions” photo section.

  • Gives students a clearer presentation of the material, while full-color photos enhance the impact of religious imagery, engaging students' attention.

• Accessible style—Explains religious diversity and complex themes within the context of their meanings for real people in real life.

  • Provides students with an immediately accessible and relevant text.

• Basic vocabulary of the field—Includes some theories on the origin of religion while avoiding technical terms.

  • Provides students with the necessary foundations for understanding religion without bogging them down with jargon.

• Primary source readings—Included at the end of each chapter.

  • Allows students to gain first-hand exposure to the writings that help define each religion.

• Bibliographic references.

  • Provides students with recent scholarship.

• Description and explanation of all major holy days.

  • Enables students to see how religion is practiced in everyday life.

• Study questions—Offered at the end of each chapter.

  • Provides students with the opportunity to review the material in each chapter.

• Comprehensive glossary.

  • Allows students quick access to basic terminology.