The Religion Toolkit: Understanding Religion in the World Today

A comprehensive survey of the study of religion worldwide, from ancient indigenous traditions to today’s religious nationalism.

“This is an excellent book that is a good, comprehensive overview of the history of religions and the ways of studying religion within Religious Studies… it really brings religions to life for the reader.”
―Gavin Flood, Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion, Oxford University

“The authors provide a clear, first-rate introduction to the study of religions, origins, leading scholars and their theories and beliefs…. This is by far the best introductory volume I am aware of both in terms of substance, clarity, and insights.”
― John L. Esposito, Distinguished University Professor, Georgetown University, and Past President of the American Academy of Religion

The Religion Toolkit: Understanding Religion in the World Today is a clear and comprehensive introduction to the academic study of religions, providing readers an introduction to the history and theories of Religious Studies, a survey of global religious traditions, and an overview of religion in the public sphere today.

• Discusses theory and methodology in religion, including the disciplines of anthropology, psychology, philosophy, biblical studies, and theology
• Describes the early development of religion, with overviews of traditions around the world, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha’i, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto
• Covers traditions not commonly addressed in introductory textbooks, such as Santeria, Vodou, Tengrism, and indigenous traditions of the Americas
• Examines recent developments and contemporary issues such as secularization, bioethics, and the rise of religious nationalism
• Includes access to a companion website with discussion questions, additional material, and helpful primary and secondary sources

Providing the knowledge and tools required to explore and understand the nature and roles of religion, The Religion Toolkit: Understanding Religion in the World Today, Second Edition is an excellent introductory textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses in Religious Studies, History of Religion, Religions of the World, and Theory and Method in the Study of Religion, as well as a valuable resource for general readers interested in the role of religion in the world today.

John Morreall is Emeritus Professor at the College of William & Mary. A Professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy for four decades, Morreall has taught dozens of courses in world religions, theories of religion, philosophy of religion, and ethics. As the preeminent expert in the philosophy of humor, he specializes in the value of humor in both religion and life generally. He has given more than 600 lectures and seminars for academic, medical, and professional groups in North America, Europe, Africa, Japan, and China.

Tamara Sonn is Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Professor Emerita in the History of Islam at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Author of numerous books on Islamic history, she has lectured in Canada, Britain, South Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, and across the United States. She was Senior Editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Islam, Associate Editor of The Islamic World Past and Present, and founding Editor-in-Chief of the journal Religion Compass.