Asian Religions: A Cultural Perspective - Softcover

Nadeau, Randall L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118471962 ISBN 13: 9781118471968

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2014

Synopsis

This lively introduction offers a complete overview of the main Asian religions, their traditions and contemporary relevance, and how they are lived and practiced today. * Provides readers with an all-embracing introduction to Asian religions, covering each of the main traditions in a style that is lively and distinctive * Focuses on Asian religions as lived and practiced by real people, leading readers to a deeper understanding of Asian spiritualities and traditions, and their contemporary relevance * Uses exercises, activities, and an appealing mixture of examples, such as novels, throughout the book, to both inform and engage readers * Employs a comparative approach, highlighting the contrasts between Asian and Western modes of thinking and living * Debates the influence of religion on real-world issues including work, economic growth, the environment, human rights, and gender relations * Written by an acclaimed scholar in this field, who is able to draw on his remarkable knowledge across all relevant religious traditions

About this title

Review:

?A unique introduction to Asian religions, combining the scholarly rigor of an established historian of Asian religions with the willingness to engage empathetically with the traditions and to suggest that readers do the same.? ?Joseph A. Adler, Kenyon College ?Randall L. Nadeau has accomplished what only a few have tried, but which has been much needed in the study of religions. He has written a genuinely novel approach to the religions of Asia. . . This is a work that should find its way into Asian humanities, history, religion, and civilization courses.? ?Ronnie Littlejohn, Belmont University "Comprehensive, historical, and comparative, with a clear and thoughtful focus on East Asia. The author's central interest is China, but he adds Theravada Buddhism and Japan's religions to complete the total picture. A good book for undergraduate students of Asian religions." ?Jim Kodera, Wellesley College

From the Back Cover:

This all-embracing introduction to Asian religious practices and beliefs takes a unique approach; not only does it provide a complete overview of the basic tenets of the major Asian religions, but it also demonstrates how Asian spiritualities are lived and practiced, exploring the meaning and significance they hold for believers.

In a series of engaging and lively chapters, the book explores the beliefs and practices of Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Japanese religions, including Shinto. Using a comparative approach, it highlights the contrasts between Asian and Western modes of thinking and living, and debates the influence of religion on real-world issues including work, economic growth, the environment, human rights, and gender relations.

Nadeau, a leading figure in this field, takes an empathetic approach to Asian religious and cultural traditions, and considers Asian spiritualities to be viable systems of belief for today's global citizens. Integrating exercises, activities, and an appealing mixture of examples, such as novels and biographies, this refreshing book leads readers to an enhanced understanding of the ideas and practice of Asian religions, and of their continuing relevance today.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1118471962
• ISBN 13: 9781118471968
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288