Synopsis
Featuring a unique, consistent, and modular chapter structure--"Teachings," "Way of Life," and "History"--and numerous pedagogical features, Invitation to World Religions invites students to explore the world's great religions with respect and a sense of wonder. It describes the essential features of each religion and shows how they have responded to basic human needs and to the cultural contexts in which they developed. The authors also encourage students to develop an appreciation of what religious beliefs and practices actually mean to their adherents. FEATURES: A consistent, modular chapter structure--"Teachings," "Way of Life," and "History"--enables students to focus on content rather than trying to navigate each chapter anew Voices: In personal, candid interviews, a diverse array of people share the ways in which they live their faiths Visual guides: Keys to important religious symbols--in easy-to-read tables--offer quick reference and comparison points Chapter-opening maps provide geographical context for each religion's development Timelines help students trace the evolution of each religion within its larger social and political context Seeking Answers sections at the end of each chapter encourage students to constructively compare the ways in which different religions address the same essential questions For Review questions prompt students to reexamine essential concepts For Further Reflection questions invite students to think critically and to engage in deeper analyses Key Terms are boldfaced at their first appearance and defined in the glossary that follows each chapter A Glossary at the back of the book includes all of the key terms from the text Suggestions for Further Reading direct students to some of the best and most recent print and online resources on each tradition A wealth of rich, robust, and relevant color photographs and illustrations keep students visually engaged An Instructor's Manual with Computerized Test Bank on CD, downloadable Learning Management System Cartridges, and a Companion Website provide additional resources
Review
"Phenomenal; its simplicity, structure, short treatment of subtopics, treatment of North American and African indigenous religions, and the systematic approach in content are quite distinctive."--Robert Y. Owusu, Clark Atlanta University "Invitation to World Religions places great weight on the importance of empathy and the appreciation of religions other than one's own. The chapter openings will engage students and draw them into the 'world' of each religion."--Paul G. Schneider, University of South Florida "This book offers exactly what I was looking for: it provides a strong foundation in the history, theology, rituals, and cultural expression of each particular religion, yet is also appealing to young people who have never or barely been exposed to other religions. I can truly say that I find in each chapter some reasons for adopting this new text as soon as it becomes available."--Maria Luce Ronconi, Marist College "The pedagogical features are far superior to those in any other text. The book contains college-level questions, not just basic content-review ones. It invites students to a real and deep engagement with religion. The modular approach is perfect."--Jim Ford, Rogers State University "Invitation to World Religions is better organized than other books and more thorough without being pedantic."--Keith E. Welsh, Webster University
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