The Sacred Paths Understanding the Religions of the World

by Ludwig, Theodore M.

• ISBN13: 9780131539037
• ISBN10: 0131539035
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2019-08-26
• Publisher: Pearson

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

Preface to the Fourth Edition	xiii
Part ONE: Exploring the Sacred Paths	1	(68)
Perspectives on the Religious Path	3	(24)
Studying Religious Experience	3	(3)
Some Dimensions of Religious Experience	6	(4)
Basic Human Concerns and Religious Responses	10	(15)
Sacred Story and Historical Context	11	(2)
Worlds of Meaning: Theoretical Teachings	13	(4)
Ritual Practices and the Good Life	17	(8)
Discussion Questions	25	(1)
Key Terms: Exploring the Sacred Paths	26	(1)
Beginnings of the Human Religious Adventure	27	(7)
Story of Humankind Before History	28	(3)
Religions of the Great Ancient Civilizations	31	(2)
Discussion Questions	33	(1)
Key Terms: Beginnings of the Human Religious Adventure	33	(1)
Sacred Paths Among Indigenous Peoples	34	(35)
Identity Through Sacred Stories	35	(4)
Recounting the Tribal Sacred History	35	(2)
Identifying with the Culture Heroes	37	(1)
Map The Americas and the Pacific	38	(1)
Worlds of Meaning of Indigenous Peoples	39	(12)
Sacred Reality in Sky and Earth	39	(4)
Map African Peoples	43	(1)
The World and Human Existence	44	(4)
Paths of Healing and Transformation	48	(3)
Ritual Activity and the Good Life	51	(16)
Sacred Time, Ritual, and Art	51	(6)
Society and the Good Life	57	(4)
Modern Transformations of Indigenous Societies	61	(6)
Discussion Questions	67	(1)
Key Terms: Sacred Paths Among Indigenous Peoples	67	(2)
Part TWO: Religions Arising from India	69	(135)
Hindu Sacred Story and Historical Context	71	(20)
Foundations of the Hindu Tradition	71	(10)
The Formative Period of Hinduism	72	(3)
Map India	75	(3)
The Many Faces of the Hindu Tradition	78	(3)
Continuing Transformations in the Hindu Story	81	(5)
Shaping the Sacred Ways: Puranas and Tantras	82	(2)
Rethinking the Vedic Truth: Philosophical Systems	84	(1)
Muslim Presence and Impact in India	85	(1)
The Modern Era: Renaissance and Response to the West	86	(4)
Reform Movements and Thinkers	86	(1)
Independence and New Visions: Gandhi and Aurobindo	87	(1)
Hinduism in the World Today	88	(2)
Discussion Questions	90	(1)
Hindu Worlds of Meaning	91	(17)
The Ultimate Real: Brahman, God/Goddess	91	(5)
Brahman as Sacred Ultimate	91	(2)
God as Supreme Sacred Reality	93	(3)
Existence in the World: Dharma and Samsara	96	(4)
The World and Human Nature in Hindu Thought	96	(3)
Samsara and the Problem of Existence	99	(1)
Three Paths to Transformation and Liberation	100	(6)
The Path of Liberating Knowledge	100	(2)
The Path of Action	102	(1)
The Path of Devotion	103	(3)
Discussion Questions	106	(2)
Hindu Ritual and the Good Life	108	(19)
Rituals and Sacred Times of Hinduism	108	(9)
Vedic Rituals and Puja	108	(2)
Ascetic and Meditational Practices: Yoga	110	(1)
Ceremonies, Festivals, and Pilgrimages	111	(2)
Ritualizing the Passages of Life	113	(1)
Healing and Medicinal Practices: Ayurveda	114	(2)
Hindus and Sacred Art	116	(1)
Society and Wholesome Life	117	(7)
Structure of Hindu Society	117	(1)
Living According to Dharma	118	(5)
Hindu Visions for Society and the World	123	(1)
Discussion Questions	124	(1)
Key Terms: Hinduism	124	(3)
Buddhist Sacred Story and Historical Context	127	(17)
Story of the Buddha	127	(6)
Sacred Biography of the Buddha	128	(5)
Tripitaka: Word of the Buddha	133	(1)
Historical Transformations: Shaping the Buddhist Way	133	(8)
Ashoka, the Second Founder of Buddhism	133	(1)
Theravada and Mahayana	134	(3)
Great Expansion of Buddhism in Asia	137	(1)
Map Expansion of Buddhism	138	(3)
Buddhism in the Modern Era	141	(2)
Challenge from Without and Within	141	(1)
Revitalization of Buddhism Today	142	(1)
Discussion Questions	143	(1)
Buddhist Worlds of Meaning	144	(14)
The Ultimate: Dharma, Nirvana, Buddha	144	(4)
The Ultimate as Unconditioned Truth	144	(3)
Going for Refuge to the Buddha	147	(1)
Existence in the World	148	(4)
The Nature of the World	148	(3)
The Human Problem: Clinging	151	(1)
The Path to Nirvana and Buddhahood	152	(5)
Nirvana and the Noble Eightfold Path	152	(3)
The Mahayana Enlargement of the Path of Transformation	155	(2)
Discussion Questions	157	(1)
Buddhist Ritual and the Good Life	158	(18)
Ritual and Devotion in Buddhist Life	158	(8)
Central Rites and Ceremonies of Buddhists	158	(2)
Holy Days and Festivals	160	(1)
Rituals of the Changes of Life	161	(2)
Healing and Medicine in Buddhist Tradition	163	(1)
Artistic Practice Among Buddhists	164	(2)
Buddhist Society and the Good Life	166	(7)
Structure of Buddhist Society	166	(2)
Buddhist Vision of the Good Life	168	(3)
Dharma Model for Society and the World	171	(2)
Discussion Questions	173	(1)
Key Terms: Buddhism	174	(2)
The Path of the Jains	176	(12)
Sacred Story and Historical Context	176	(3)
Mahavira Becomes the Jina for Our Age	176	(2)
Historical Transformations in Jainism	178	(1)
Jain Worlds of Meaning	179	(3)
Ultimate Reality: Eternal Universe, Liberation	179	(1)
Karmic Matter and Eternal Souls	180	(1)
The Path of Liberation	181	(1)
Ritual and the Good Life	182	(4)
Ritual and Worship Among the Jains	182	(2)
Society and Ethics	184	(2)
Discussion Questions	186	(1)
Key Terms: Jainism	187	(1)
The Way of the Disciples: The Sikhs	188	(16)
Sacred Story and Historical Context	188	(5)
Nanak and the Other Gurus	188	(4)
Developments, Struggles, Transformations	192	(1)
Sikh Worlds of Meaning	193	(3)
The Sacred Ultimate: God	193	(1)
Divine Creation and Human Nature	194	(1)
The Path of Transformation	195	(1)
Worship and Moral Life in Sikhism	196	(7)
Ritual and Worship Among the Sikhs	196	(4)
Society and the Good Life	200	(2)
Map Sikh Presence	202	(1)
Discussion Questions	203	(1)
Key Terms: Sikhism	203	(1)
Part THREE: Religions of China and Japan	204	(118)
Chinese Sacred Story and Historical Context	206	(26)
Foundings of the Chinese Traditions	206	(1)
Ancient Rulers and Worldviews	206	(3)
Map East Asia	209	(1)
The Stories of Confucius, Laozi, and the Chinese Buddha	209	(10)
The Confucian Story	210	(3)
Laozi and the Beginnings of Daoism	213	(2)
Development of Popular Confucianism and Daoism	215	(2)
The Beginnings of Chinese Buddhism	217	(2)
Transformations in the Chinese Traditions	219	(7)
Buddhist Expansion and Crystallization	219	(3)
Maturing of the Daoist Religious Path	222	(2)
Resurgence of the Way of Confucius: Neo-Confucianism	224	(1)
Persistence and Transformation of Popular Religion	225	(1)
Western Incursion and Revolutionary Climate	226	(5)
Foreign Religions and Western Domination	226	(1)
Revolutionary Movements and Communist Society	227	(2)
Religion in China Today	229	(2)
Discussion Questions	231	(1)
Chinese Worlds of Meaning	232	(21)
Sacred Reality in the Chinese Vision	232	(6)
Divine Powers: Shang Di and Tian	232	(2)
The Way of Nature: Dao	234	(2)
The Inner Principle of All: Neo-Confucian Metaphysics	236	(1)
Chinese Buddhist Vision of the Ultimate	237	(1)
Cosmos and Humanity	238	(6)
Origin of the Cosmos and Human Nature	238	(3)
Realities of Human Existence in the World	241	(3)
Paths of Transformation	244	(8)
The Confucian Path of Study and Ritual	244	(3)
Paths of Transformation in the Daoist Tradition	247	(3)
Buddhist Paths of Transformation in China	250	(2)
Discussion Questions	252	(1)
Ritual Practices and the Good Life in China	253	(25)
Ritual Practices and Worship	253	(13)
Ritual in the Confucian Tradition	253	(1)
Daoist Rituals and Popular Religion	254	(4)
Buddhist Influences in Chinese Ritual Practices	258	(1)
Sacred Times in the Chinese Traditions	259	(2)
Rituals of the Life Cycle in China	261	(1)
Chinese Medicine and Healing Practices	262	(2)
Artistic Expression in Chinese Religions	264	(2)
Society and the Good Life	266	(9)
Structure of Chinese Society	266	(3)
The Confucian Vision of the Good Moral Life	269	(2)
Daoist Perspectives on the Good Life	271	(2)
Patterns and Paradigms for World Society	273	(2)
Discussion Questions	275	(1)
Key Terms: Chinese Religions	275	(3)
Japanese Sacred Story and Historical Context	278	(15)
Story of the Japanese People	278	(6)
Prehistoric Foundations of Japan	279	(1)
Sacred Nation: Stories of the Kami	280	(2)
Map Japan: Major Cities and Religious Sites	282	(1)
The Coming of Buddhism and Chinese Culture	283	(1)
Continuing Transformations of the Japanese Way	284	(8)
Integrating the Buddhist Way into Japanese Religion	285	(3)
Unification of Japan and the Modern Period	288	(2)
Religion in Japan Today	290	(2)
Discussion Questions	292	(1)
Japanese Worlds of Meaning	293	(11)
Shinto Views of Sacred Reality and Human Life	293	(6)
Myriads and Myriads of Kami	293	(2)
Shinto Perspectives on the World and on Humans	295	(3)
Shinto Path of Purification	298	(1)
Ultimate Reality and the Path in Japanese Buddhism	299	(4)
Universal Buddha-Nature	299	(1)
Japanese Buddhist Perspectives on Human Existence	300	(1)
Buddhist Paths of Transformation in Japan	301	(2)
Discussion Questions	303	(1)
Ritual Practices and the Good Life in Japan	304	(18)
Japanese Ritual Practices	304	(10)
Ritual in the Rhythm of Daily Life	304	(3)
Sacred Times in Japan	307	(2)
Rituals of the Passages of Life	309	(1)
Healing and Medicine in Japan	310	(1)
Art in Japanese Religion	311	(3)
Society and the Good Life	314	(6)
Structure of Japanese Society: Sacred Community	314	(3)
The Good Life in the Japanese View	317	(3)
Discussion Questions	320	(1)
Key Terms: Japanese Religions	320	(2)
Part FOUR: Religions Arising in the Mediterranean World	322	(177)
Religions of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece	325	(9)
Ancient Egyptian Religion	325	(3)
Cosmic Harmony and Human Existence	325	(2)
Ritual and Ethical Life	327	(1)
Map Ancient Civilizations	328	(1)
Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia	328	(3)
Cosmic State and Human Service	329	(1)
Ritual and Ethical Life	330	(1)
Religion in Ancient Greece	331	(2)
Worlds of Meaning in Ancient Greece	331	(1)
Ritual Activities and the Good Life	332	(1)
Discussion Questions	333	(1)
Key Terms: Religions of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece	333	(1)
The Zoroastrian Tradition	334	(13)
Sacred Story and Historical Context	334	(3)
Zarathustra's Life and Teachings	334	(1)
Development of the Zoroastrian Tradition	335	(2)
Zoroastrian Worlds of Meaning	337	(3)
Supreme God and Lesser Divine Powers	337	(2)
Creation and Human History	339	(1)
The Path of Human Transformation	340	(1)
Ritual and the Good Life for Zoroastrians	340	(5)
Prayer, Rituals, and Art	340	(4)
Community and Ethical Ideals	344	(1)
Discussion Questions	345	(1)
Key Terms: Zoroastrianism	346	(1)
Jewish Sacred Story and Historical Context	347	(20)
Foundations of the Jewish Story	347	(11)
Beginnings: Israel, People of the Covenant	347	(4)
The Promised Land and the Kingdom	351	(1)
Map Ancient Israel	352	(2)
Decline of the Kingdom: The Prophets	354	(1)
The Founding of Judaism	355	(3)
Further Transformations of Judaism	358	(8)
Jewish Life and Thought in Islamic Contexts	358	(3)
Tragedy and Response in Christian Medieval Europe	361	(1)
Emancipation and the Modern Age	362	(3)
Continuing Struggles and Hopes	365	(1)
Discussion Questions	366	(1)
Jewish Worlds of Meaning	367	(12)
One God as Creator, Revealer, and Redeemer	367	(3)
The Development of Monotheism	367	(1)
Jewish Vision of the One God	368	(2)
The World and Human Existence	370	(4)
Creation and Preservation of the World	370	(2)
The Shadow of Sin	372	(2)
Following the Path of Torah	374	(4)
God as Redeemer	374	(1)
The Human Movement of Repentance	375	(1)
On the Path of Transformation	376	(1)
Universal Blessing, Now and Hereafter	377	(1)
Discussion Questions	378	(1)
Ritual Practices and the Good Life for Jews	379	(16)
Jewish Rituals and Worship	379	(7)
Sabbaths for Rest, Festivals for Rejoicing	379	(2)
Mitzvot of Ritual and Worship	381	(3)
Healing and Medicine Among Jews	384	(1)
Artistic Expression in Jewish Religious Life	385	(1)
The Life of Torah: Jewish Community and Ethics	386	(7)
The Jewish People	387	(1)
The Life of Halakhah	388	(2)
The Missions of Peoplehood	390	(3)
Discussion Questions	393	(1)
Key Terms: Judaism	393	(2)
Christian Sacred Story and Historical Context	395	(24)
Foundations of the Christian Story	395	(10)
Jewish Roots of the Christian Way	395	(1)
Life and Teachings of Jesus	396	(3)
Crucifixion and Resurrection	399	(3)
Beginnings of the Christian Church	402	(3)
Further Transformations of the Christian Way	405	(13)
The Early Christian Church in the Roman World	405	(2)
Map The Mediterranean World	407	(2)
Medieval Christianity: The Age of Faith	409	(3)
Renaissance and Reformation	412	(4)
Struggles with Modernity	416	(1)
Christians in the World Today	417	(1)
Discussion Questions	418	(1)
Christian Worlds of Meaning	419	(12)
Loving Parent and Triune God	419	(3)
Seeing God's Face in Christ	419	(1)
One God, Three Persons: The Trinity	420	(2)
Creation and Human Existence	422	(3)
The Nature of Creation	422	(1)
Sin and Separation from God	423	(2)
The Path: Salvation by Grace	425	(5)
Saved by Jesus Christ	425	(3)
The Way of Faith	428	(2)
The Life of the World to Come	430	(1)
Discussion Questions	430	(1)
Ritual Practices and the Good Life for Christians	431	(17)
Christian Worship and Ritual	431	(7)
Breaking Bread and Praising God	431	(1)
Festivals and Holy Days	432	(2)
Worship in Daily Life	434	(2)
Healing and Medicine Among Christians	436	(1)
Art in Christian Worship and Ritual	437	(1)
The Life of Love: Society and Ethics	438	(7)
The Society of the Church	438	(3)
Sanctification of Life in Ethics	441	(3)
Responsibility and Mission in the World	444	(1)
Discussion Questions	445	(1)
Key Terms: Christianity	446	(2)
Muslim Sacred Story and Historical Context	448	(24)
The Story of the Prophet and the Book	448	(9)
The Times Before Muhammad	448	(2)
Muhammad as the Final Prophet	450	(3)
Establishing the Ummah in Medina	453	(3)
A Religion for All Peoples: Expansion of Islam	456	(1)
The Islamic Ummah in History	457	(14)
The Classical Period of Islam	457	(1)
Map The Spread of Islam	458	(6)
Medieval Empires: Stability and Flourishing Muslim Culture	464	(2)
Reform Movements and the Modern World	466	(2)
Map The Contemporary Middle East and Surrounding Countries	468	(469)
Muslims in the World Today	469	(2)
Discussion Questions	471	(1)
Muslim Worlds of Meaning	472	(10)
Allah, Lord of the Worlds	472	(2)
Life Centered in One God	472	(1)
God in the World	473	(1)
Nature of the World and Humans	474	(4)
The World as God's Creation	474	(2)
Negligence and Unbelief	476	(2)
Guidance on the Straight Path	478	(3)
Islam as a Path of Knowledge	479	(1)
Blessings Now and in the Life Hereafter	480	(1)
Discussion Questions	481	(1)
Ritual Practices and the Good Life for Muslims	482	(17)
Ritual Worship and Sacred Times	482	(8)
The Five Pillars	482	(4)
Other Festivals and Rituals	486	(2)
Muslim Views of Healing and Medicine	488	(1)
Art in Islamic Worship and Life	489	(1)
The Life of Shari'ah: Society and Ethics	490	(7)
Social Structure of Islam	490	(3)
The Way of Shari'ah	493	(3)
Transformation of Human Society	496	(1)
Discussion Questions	497	(1)
Key Terms: Islam	497	(2)
Part FIVE: Ongoing Explorations on the Sacred Paths	499	(24)
New Religious Movements	500	(17)
Spiritual Searching and Alternative Sacred Paths	500	(4)
Rise of New Sectarian Movements	501	(1)
Attraction to Alternative Paths in the West	502	(2)
Nontraditional New Religious Movements	504	(11)
New Sacred Paths: Nineteenth-Century Roots	504	(6)
New Spiritual Movements of the Twentieth Century	510	(5)
Discussion Questions	515	(1)
Key Terms: New Religious Movements	516	(1)
Guideposts and Crossings on the Paths	517	(6)
Discussion Questions	522	(1)
Glossary	523	(16)
Notes	539	(8)
Suggestions for Further Reading	547	(12)
Acknowledgments	559	(4)
Index	563