Living Religions, 7/e presents a highly readable and stimulating survey of the modern religious world. Exploring the historical development and teachings of traditional faiths, indigenous religions, and new religious movements, this book considers how each of these traditions has evolved into contemporary beliefs and practices. This book explores in detail the changing nature of each religion, the spread of religious pluralism, the rise in violence in the name of religion, and the movement toward interfaith dialogue. Author Mary Pat Fisher offers fresh and challenging insight into how believers of today's faiths perceive their religion and its role in the changing world in which they live.
"Mary Pat Fisher's Living Religions is the best introduction to world religions for students without any prior knowledge of the subject. This book is well researched and written, with broad coverage of historical, phenomenological and doctrinal aspects of each world religions, as well as many captivating color photos/illustrations. In short, this book is a student-friendly text that also maintains a high standard of content and discussion." -- Jonathan Tan, Xavier University
"[Living Religions] is very well done. It serves as a clear and comprehensive introduction that is not only appropriate for college-level religion courses but is also helpful for scholars who are not expert in all religious traditions. It accomplishes what few texts have been able to do: balance the scholarly concern to 'complicate' and 'nuance' extraordinarily complex religious traditions with the student need to simplify at least long enough to learn effectively. It also insists, with its many pictures, stories, and examples from life, that religions are not mere scholarly constructs, but they are alive and real and fascinating." -- Samuel Thomas, California Lutheran University
"[Living Religions] is a scholarly, up-to-date, objective, and inclusive (broadly-covered) introduction to the major world religious traditions in the world today. Included in/with the text are helpful items such as glossaries of terms, review questions, maps and illustrations, pictures, personal stories, teaching stories, and CD and Internet resources." -- Clifford Cain, Franklin College
"[Living Religions] is a terrific resource for students interested in learning about the history, beliefs, and trends of the various world religions. It reflects a dedication to solid research." -- Daniel Rieger, Broward College
"It is a beautiful book. The text contains a good overview of the major world religions; it is comprehensive and very readable." -- Santos Roman, Riverside Community College
"Beautifully illustrated with incredibly inclusive discussions of each religion." -- Mary Thurlkill, University of Mississippi
"An excellent overview of the world's leading religions." -- Sam Hughes, Mt. San Jacinto College
"Highly readable and engaging. Takes a fresh approach compared to many other texts." -- Garry Morgan, Northwestern College
"I was impressed with the variety of materials available, and the manner in which they were keyed to sections of the book. I was pleased with [what] was offered." -- Wayne Brouwer, Hope College
