Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction - Softcover

Deming

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195169816 ISBN 13: 9780195169812

Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, 2004

Synopsis

A brief and accessible introduction to religion. Drawing material from a diverse range of religions -- including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and primal religions -- author Will Deming walks readers through thirty examples of how religions "work," exploring the significance of religious events and pronouncements.

About this title

Review

"Fresh, intellectual, and very appropriate for students in the 21st century."--Joan J. Earley, University at Albany

"A well laid-out, strikingly presented, orderly, and deeply informative text. Presentations are accessible and uncluttered. An excellent resource."--Johanna Stiebert, University of Tennessee

Synopsis

The overwhelming majority of people in the world - 85 per cent - are religious, and more religions are now practiced in the United States than in any other country. Religion plays a critical role in international politics, in the global economy, and in a wide variety of social and cultural interactions on the domestic front. Even though religion is such an integral part of today's world, many Americans have difficulty discussing it publicly. They are often unfamiliar with any religion buttheir own, finding other religions mysterious or even threatening. Offering a brief and accessible point of entry into the subject, Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction begins by highlighting the significance of religion in modern society and providing a simple definition that goes beyond vague notions of "faith" or "belief in God." Drawing material from a diverse range of religions - including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and primal religions - author Will Deming walks readers through thirty examples of how religions "work," exploring the significance of religious events and pronouncements.

He also considers several topics that continue to fascinate and challenge Westerners: the ethics of studying someone else's religion, the "truth" of religion, the possibilities for preferring one religion over another, religious pluralism, and the contentious dialogue between science and religion. Enhanced by an innovative glossary of religious terms and numerous pictures and analyses of everyday religious activities, Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction is ideal for introducing students to the concept of religion and for courses in comparative and world religions. It is also captivating reading for theologians, scholars, and anyone interested in the topic.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195169816
• ISBN 13: 9780195169812
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176