Sacred Paths, The: Understanding the Religions of the World

by Ludwig, Theodore M.

• ISBN13: 9780130256829
• ISBN10: 013025682X
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

This book combines study of the dynamic historical development of each religious tradition with a comparative thematic structure. In this way, the book helps readers to explore each of the major religions as a unique and integral system of meaning and life. At the same time, readers are encouraged to discover and explore the nature of religious experience by comparing basic themes and issues common to all religions. Covering the religions arising from India, China, Japan, and the Mediterranean world, this book introduces the key dimensions of religious experience, outlining the basic human concerns that give rise to religious experience, such as origin and identity, ultimate reality, human nature, and the good life. For anyone interested in exploring the origins and development of the diverse religions of the world.

Table of Contents

I. EXPLORING THE SACRED PATHS.

1. Perspectives on Religious Experience.
2. Beginnings of the Human Religious Adventure.
3. Sacred Paths Among Indigenous Peoples.

II. RELIGIONS ARISING FROM INDIA.

4. Hindu Sacred Story and Historical Context.
5. Hindu Worlds of Meaning.
6. Hindu Ritual and the Good Life.
7. Buddhist Sacred Story and Historical Context.
8. Buddhist Worlds of Meaning.
9. Buddhist Ritual and the Good Life.
10. The Path of the Jains.
11. The Way of the Disciples: The Sikhs.

III. RELIGIONS OF CHINA AND JAPAN.

12. Chinese Sacred Story and Historical Context.
13. Chinese Worlds of Meaning.
14. Ritual Practices and the Good Life in China.
15. Japanese Sacred Story and Historical Context.
16. Japanese Worlds of Meaning.
17. Ritual Practices and the Good Life in Japan.

IV. RELIGIONS ARISING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD.

18. Religions of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece.
19. The Zoroastrian Tradition.
20. Jewish Sacred Story and Historical Context.
21. Jewish Worlds of Meaning.
22. Ritual Practices and the Good Life for Jews.
23. Christian Sacred Story and Historical Context.
24. Christian Worlds of Meaning.
25. Ritual Practices and the Good Life for Christians.
26. Muslim Sacred Story and Historical Context.
27. Muslim Worlds of Meaning.
28. Ritual Practices and the Good Life for Muslims.

V. ONGOING EXPLORATIONS ON THE SACRED PATHS.

29. New Religious Movements.
30. Guideposts and Crossings on the Paths.
Glossary.
Notes.
Suggestions for Further Reading.
Acknowledgements.
Index.