The World's Religions

by Ninian Smart

• ISBN13: 9780521637480
• ISBN10: 0521637481
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-06-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book is a revised and updated edition of a popular work, which looks at the world's religions in terms of world history, and as constantly developing systems of belief. Part I traces the development of religions, as they evolved from the traditions of the ancient world. Part II examines the changes to faiths and cultures following the Renaissance and the voyages of conquest and discovery, and asks how, why, and with what effect religions have been refashioned over the ages up to today. In this richly illustrated new edition, religions are described through their symbols, rituals, followers, architecture and art. References, statistics, maps and pictures have been updated and added, illuminating the true nature of each religion. The text has been thoroughly revised to highlight recent developments, such as the spread of Islam, African-American and Hispanic-American religious experience, and women priests.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Part I: 1. Earliest religions

2. South Asia

3. China

4. Japan

5. Southeast Asia

6. The Pacific

7. The Americas

8. The ancient Near East

9. Persia and Central Asia

10. The Greek and Roman world

11. Classical and medieval Christianity and Judaism

12. Classical and medieval Islam

13. Classical African religions

Part II: 14. The explosion of Europe and the re-forming of Christianity

15. North America

16. South Asia and reactions to colonial intervention

17. China and Korea in modern times

18. Modern Southeast Asia

19. Japan in modern times

20. Islam passes through the shadows

21. The colonial impact in the Pacific

22. Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union

23. Africa in the modern world

24. Latin America and the Caribbean

25. Some final reflections on global religion

Bibliography

Credits

Index.