• Published by Lucent Books

Each volume in this series provides an overview of a religion practiced by large numbers of people today. The history of each religion is provided, but the emphasis is on the contemporary practice of the religion. Quotes both from religious scholars and from modern practitioners of each faith give the reader insight into both the beliefs of adherents and how those beliefs are expressed in the practices of the faithful. The challenges presented to the faithful by the modern world are also prominently featured. Features include:

• Endnotes for all direct quotes
• Thorough indexes
• Annotated bibliographies
• Sidebars that feature relevant events and personalities

"Interest in world religions has been heightened in light of recent tragic events. Each volume covers the origins of the faith, the teachings of its major prophet, the development of that religion in its home country, its spread, and today's practice of that faith. Forms of worship, holy places, sacred texts, the relationship of art and religion, and common themes among religions are some of the topics in these up-to-date texts. The volume on Islam discusses events of September 11, how Islam and terrorism became synonymous on that date and how that association may be clarified. The series gives a history of each religion and the way that religion shaped the culture from which it came...These are excellent sources for social studies and history classes that compare culture and religion. Recommended."
-- Book Report (September 2002)

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