Encyclopedia of the World's Religions

by R.C. Zaehner

Book Overview

Though the meaning of religion cannot be encompassed by any single definition, the ingredients of faith, a need to belong, and a desire for transcendence are perhaps present in ever form of worship.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076070712X
• ISBN13: 9780760707128
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books
• Length: 456 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.9" x 1.4" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent introduction to and overview of the world's religions

The book covers the historical background and evolution of ideas in Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Jainism, and Sikhism. Each topic is presented by an expert in that particular area of study. I generally enjoyed the format and style of writing and was kept interested across chapters, although I was not particularly interested in learning about Christianity during the middle ages (enough of that was covered for me in history classes I've taken). Especially informative was the frequent appearance of information related to how the major world religions have been influenced by each other and also by various religious ideas from now-defunct religions or religious sects.