Items related to Dimensions of the Sacred: An Anatomy of the World's...
A world-renowned religion scholar explores the world's major religions and comparable secular systems of thought in this unusually wide-ranging and accessible work. Ninian Smart considers Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, as well as Marxist-Leninism, Maoism, nationalism, and Native American, African, and other systems of belief. His goal is to advance our understanding of how we as human beings interact thoughtfully with the cosmos and express the exigencies of our own nature and existence.Smart demonstrates that diverse systems of belief reflect several recurring themes: the tendency to worship, the contemplative life, story-telling, a view of history, ethical instruction, guidelines on bodily practices, rituals, and visual icons. He examines each of these themes in relation to specific belief systems. He points out that religions and comparable worldviews should be studied at least as much through their practices as through their beliefs. The result of twenty-five years of research, this comprehensive book is nothing less than an analysis of the entire pattern of human spiritual life, viewed through what Smart calls "the grammar of symbols, the modes and forms in which religion manifests itself."
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Review:
"A colorful tour and a steady stream of illuminating observations propelled by Smart's dazzlingly informed mind and urbane and witty voice."--Philip Novak, "Journal of the American Academy of Religion
About the Author:
Ninian Smart is J.F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religions at the University of California and was formerly professor at Lancaster University, where he inaugurated Britain’s first major Religious Studies department. Among his many books are ‘The World’s Religions’, ‘Buddhism and Christianity: Rivals and Allies’, ‘The Religious Experience’ and ‘Choosing a Faith’.
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- PublisherUniv of California Pr
- Publication date1996
- ISBN 10 0520208196
- ISBN 13 9780520208193
- BindingHardcover
- Rating
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