Cover image for Understanding world religions : [an interdisciplinary approach]
Title:
Understanding world religions : [an interdisciplinary approach]
Author:
Hexham, Irving.
Publication Date:
2011
Publication Information:
Grand Rapids : Zondervan, c2011.
Physical Description:
512 p : ill., maps. ; 24 cm.
ISBN:
9780310259442
Abstract:
Understanding World Religions presents religion as a complex and intriguing matrix of history, philosophy, culture, beliefs, and practices. Hexham believes that a certain degree of objectivity and critique is inherent in the study of religion, and he guides readers in responsible ways of carrying this out. Of particular importance is Hexham's decision to explore African religions, which have frequently been absent from major religion texts. He surveys these in addition to varieties of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. --from publisher description.
General Note:
Subtitle from cover.
Contents:
Pt. 1. Studying religion. Introductory issues in the study of religions -- A biased canon -- pt. 2. African traditions. African religious traditions -- Witchcraft and sorcery -- God in Zulu religion -- The case of Isaiah Shembe -- pt. 3. The Yogic tradition. The origins of yogic religions -- The richness of the Hindu tradition -- Rethinking the Hindu tradition -- Gandhi the great contrarian -- Buddhism -- The development of Buddhist belief and practice -- The moral quest of Edward Conze -- Other yogic-type traditions -- pt. 4. The Abramic tradition. Early Judaism -- Rabbinic and other Judaisms -- Jewish faith and practice -- Martin Buber's Zionist spirituality -- Christianity -- Christian history -- Christian faith and practice -- Christian politics according to Abraham Kuyper -- The challenge of Islam -- Muslim beliefs and practices -- Muslim piety -- Sayyid Qutb and the rebirth of contemporary Islam -- Conclusion: Whither religious studies?
Subject Term:
Religions.
Language:
English
Holds: