Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day

by Morgan, Garry R.

• ISBN13: 9780764210037
• ISBN10: 0764210033
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-09-01
• Publisher: Bethany House Pub

Summary

User-Friendly Beginner's Guide to World Religions The world is becoming more integrated. What once seemed like the religions of exotic faraway lands are now practiced by families next door. These short, easily digestible readings give an overview of the beliefs, histories, and practices of dozens of religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and many more. Garry Morgan blends the knowledge of a college professor with real-world experience and an accessible style. Broken into forty brief chapters, this book can be used as a reference for those who need quick and clear answers or read straight through by curious readers.

Author Biography

Garry R. Morgan is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, following eighteen years of cross-cultural ministry in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Garry is married, has a grown daughter, and lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. 9
Acknowledgments	p. 11
What Is Religion?	p. 13
Why Learn About Other Religions?	p. 17
Christianity: What Sets It Apart?	p. 21
Roman Catholic Christianity	p. 25
Eastern Orthodox Christianity	p. 30
Protestant Christianity	p. 34
Evangelical Christianity	p. 38
Animism and Folk Religions	p. 42
Native American Religions	p. 46
African Traditional Religions	p. 50
Judaism: Historical Development	p. 54
Judaism: Today	p. 58
Zoroastrianism	p. 62
Islam: Beginnings	p. 66
Islam: Foundations	p. 70
Islam: Beliefs	p. 74
Islam: Theology	p. 78
Islam: Varieties and Issues	p. 82
The Nation of Islam	p. 86
Baha'i	p. 90
Hinduism: Origins	p. 94
Hinduism: Beliefs and Practices	p. 98
Hinduism: Today	p. 102
Jainism	p. 106
Sikhism	p. 110
Theravada Buddhism	p. 114
Mahayana Buddhism	p. 118
Tibetan Buddhism	p. 122
Confucianism	p. 126
Taoism	p. 130
Shinto	p. 134
Secular Humanism	p. 138
Cults, "Isms," and Contemporary Religious Movements	p. 142
The Unitarian-Universalist Association, The Unity School of Christianity, and The Unification Church	p. 146
Christian Science and Scientology	p. 150
Mormonism	p. 154
Jehovah's Witnesses	p. 158
Neopagan Religions	p. 162
New Age Religions	p. 166
Transcendental Meditation	p. 170
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