Religions of the World

Religions of the World Review

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Religion is central to the lives of millions of people around the globe. But how did the great religions begin, and what do their followers believe? Religions of the World tells the remarkable story of some of the faiths which have helped to shape the way we live today. Aimed at younger readers, it introduces the history and scriptures, beliefs and customs of some of humanity’s most enduring religious traditions, and looks at their place in the lives of men, women and children across the world.

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Supernatural Religion, Vol. III. (of III) An Inquiry into the Reality of Divine Revelation

Supernatural Religion, Vol. III. (of III) An Inquiry into the Reality of Divine Revelation Review

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

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Entheogens and the Future of Religion

Entheogens and the Future of Religion Review

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A study of the importance of psychedelic plants and drugs in religion and society

• With contributions by Albert Hofmann, R. Gordon Wasson, Jack Kornfield, Terence McKenna, the Shulgins, Rick Strassman, and others

• Explores the importance of academic and religious freedom in the study of psychedelics and the mind

• Exposes the need for an organized spiritual context for entheogen use in order to fully realize their transformative and sacred value

We live in a time when a great many voices are calling for a spiritual renewal to address the problems that face humanity, yet the way of entheogens--one of the oldest and most widespread means of attaining a religious experience--is forbidden, surrounded by controversy and misunderstanding. Widely employed in traditional shamanic societies, entheogens figure prominently in the origins of religion and their use continues today throughout the world. They alter consciousness in such a profound way that, depending on the set and setting, they can produce the ultimate human experiences: union with God or revelation of other mystical realities.

With contributions by Albert Hofmann, Terence McKenna, Ann and Alexander Shulgin, Thomas Riedlinger, Dale Pendell, and Rick Strassman as well as interviews with R. Gordon Wasson and Jack Kornfield, this book explores ancient and modern uses of psychedelic drugs, emphasizing the complementary relationship between science and mystical experience and the importance of psychedelics to the future of religion and society. Revealing the mystical-religious possibilities of substances such as psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, and LSD, this book exposes the vital need for developing an organized spiritual context for their use in order to fully realize their transformative and sacred value. Stressing the importance of academic and religious freedom, the authors call for a revival of scientific and religious inquiry into entheogens so they may be used safely and legally by those seeking to cultivate their spiritual awareness.

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The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere (A Columbia / SSRC Book)

The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere (A Columbia / SSRC Book) Review

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The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere represents a rare opportunity to experience a diverse group of preeminent philosophers confronting one pervasive contemporary concern: what role does—or should—religion play in our public lives? Reflecting on her recent work concerning state violence in Israel-Palestine, Judith Butler explores the potential of religious perspectives for renewing cultural and political criticism, while Jürgen Habermas, best known for his seminal conception of the public sphere, thinks through the ambiguous legacy of the concept of "the political" in contemporary theory. Charles Taylor argues for a radical redefinition of secularism, and Cornel West defends civil disobedience and emancipatory theology. Eduardo Mendieta and Jonathan VanAntwerpen detail the immense contribution of these philosophers to contemporary social and political theory, and an afterword by Craig Calhoun places these attempts to reconceive the significance of both religion and the secular in the context of contemporary national and international politics.

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Comparing Christianity with World Religions

Comparing Christianity with World Religions Review

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The world has always been a melting pot of beliefs, but now more than ever, your neighbor may be part of a differing world religion. The truths of Christianity are compared in key life beliefs to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and tribal religion. This is a most helpful tool in answering questions you or seekers have about other religious beliefs, and a handy overview for sharing your faith with others. Formerly titled The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error II.

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Anarchy Evolution: Faith, Science, and Bad Religion in a World Without God

Anarchy Evolution: Faith, Science, and Bad Religion in a World Without God Review

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In this passionate polemic, Greg Graffin argues that art and science have a deep connection. He describes his own coming-of-age as an artist and the formation of his naturalist worldview over the past three decades. Anarchy Evolution sheds new light on the long-standing debate on religion and the human condition. It is a book for anyone who has ever wondered if God really exists.

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Religion For Dummies

Religion For Dummies Review

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Why are we here?
How should we live?
What happens after we die?
Why does evil exist?

Religion For Dummies explains how the world’s great religions answer questions that persist through generations. Authors Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman are trusted religious advisors known as the God Squad. With wonderful wit and incredible wisdom, they host a daily talk show which reaches nearly 4 million homes in the New York area, and have appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.

This book is not a scholarly theological treatise; it’s a lively, practical, hands-on resource that will help you better understand your own religion and others. You’ll explore:

• Religion's role in the family and in the workplace
• The beliefs and practices of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other religions
• Religion's impact during major passages in life such as birth, death, and marriage
• How to join a religion and how to pray
• How religion can help you deal with issues in every day life such as conflict, adversity, marriage, divorce, and more
• Religious rituals and ethics

Religion for Dummies touches on lesser-known religions (such as, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Sikhism). It explores how people of various faiths pray, celebrate life and death, and view moral issues. The book does not tell you what to believe, but rather encourages you to live as you believe and let your religion infuse every aspect of your life. It doesn’t give simple answers to haunting, complex questions; it helps you find your own answers and pursue your own spiritual path!

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Is Belief in God Good, Bad or Irrelevant?: A Professor and a Punk Rocker Discuss Science, Religion, Naturalism & Christianity

Is Belief in God Good, Bad or Irrelevant?: A Professor and a Punk Rocker Discuss Science, Religion, Naturalism & Christianity Review

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Greg Graffin is frontman, singer and songwriter for the punk band Bad Religion. He also happens to have a Ph.D. in zoology and wrote his dissertation on evolution, atheism and naturalism. Preston Jones is a history professor at a Christian college and a fan of Bad Religion's music. One day, on a whim, Preston sent Greg an appreciative e-mail. That was the start of an extraordinary correspondence. For several months, Preston and Greg sent e-mails back and forth on big topics like God, religion, knowledge, evil, evolution, biology, destiny and the nature of reality. Preston believes in God; Greg sees insufficient evidence for God's existence. Over the course of their friendly debate, they tackle such cosmic questions as: Is religion rational or irrational? Does morality require belief in God? Do people only believe in God because they are genetically predisposed toward religion? How do you make sense of suffering in the world? Is this universe all there is? And what does it all matter? In this engaging book, Preston and Greg's actual e-mail correspondence is reproduced, along with bonus materials that provide additional background and context. Each makes his case for why he thinks his worldview is more compelling and explanatory. While they find some places to agree, neither one convinces the other. They can't both be right. So which worldview is more plausible? You decide.

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• Cold As the Clay
• Anarchy Evolution: Faith, Science, and Bad Religion in a World Without God
• Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling

Customer Reviews

Apr 20, 2012 02:40:34

Why Religion Matters: The Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief

Why Religion Matters: The Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief Review

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Huston Smith, the author of the classic bestseller The World's Religions, delivers a passionate, timely message: The human spirit is being suffocated by the dominant materialistic worldview of our times. Smith champions a society in which religion is once again treasured and authentically practiced as the vital source of human wisdom.

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Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening

Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening Review

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The data is clear: religious affiliation is plummeting across the breadth of Christian denominations. And yet interest in "spirituality" is on the rise. So what is behind the sea change in American religion? With the same comprehensive research and insider reporting that made Christianity for the Rest of Us an indispensable guide to cultivating thriving churches, Diana Butler Bass offers a fresh interpretation of the "spiritual but not religious" trend.

Bass—who has spent her career teaching the history, culture, and politics of religion, and engaging church communities across the nation—brings forth her deep knowledge of the latest national studies and polls, along with her own groundbreaking analysis, as she seeks to fully comprehend the decline in Christian attendance and affiliation that started decades ago—and has increased exponentially in recent years.

Some contend that we're undergoing yet another evangelical revival; others suggest that Christian belief and practice is eroding entirely as traditional forms of faith are replaced by new ethical, and areligious, choices. But Bass argues compellingly that we are, instead, at a critical stage in a completely new spiritual awakening, a vast interreligious progression toward individual and cultural transformation, and a wholly new kind of postreligious faith.

Offering direction and hope to individuals and churches, Christianity After Religion is Bass's call to approach faith with a newfound freedom that is both life-giving and service driven. And it is a hope-filled plea to see and participate in creating a fresh, vital, contemporary way of faith that stays true to the real message of Jesus.

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One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship

One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship Review

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Religious understanding is as important today than any other time in history. In this highly acclaimed book, Mary Pope Osborne introduces readers to the six major religions of the world. One World, Many Religions covers the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. All have had a deep effect on the laws and customs of every country. They have shaped art, literature, music, and education. They have given the world magnificent stories, songs, buildings, holy objects, ceremonies, and festivals." From the Introduction to Many Religions, One World. Best-selling children's author Mary Pope Osborne presents an accessible and elegantly crafted volume that introduces young readers to the world's seven major religions. Six short readable chapters--perfectly targeted to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders--detail the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Handsomely designed and featuring fifty oversized color photographs and a full complement of reference materials, including a map, time line, and bibliography, this book provides a thorough and thoughtful presentation of the diverse ways people worship around the world.

-Outstanding introduction to world religion for young readers.
-Unanimously praised when first published in 1996
-Newly updated reference materials such as a glossary, map, timeline and bibliography complete this excellent book.
-Features over 50 full-color photos.

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Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions (Re: Lit Books)

Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions (Re: Lit Books) Review

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After 343,203 online votes on the Mars Hill Church website, nine questions for Pastor Mark Driscoll emerged as the ones most urgently calling for answers.

Inspired by 1 Corinthians, in which Paul answers a series of questions posed by the people in the Corinthian church, Pastor Mark Driscoll set out to determine the most controversial questions among visitors to the Mars Hill Church website. In the end, 893 questions were asked and 343,203 votes were cast. The top nine questions are now each answered in a chapter of Religion Saves.

After an introductory chapter devoted to the misconception that religion is what saves us, Driscoll tackles nine issues: birth control, humor, predestination, grace, sexual sin, faith and works, dating, the emerging church, and the regulative principle.

Because the purpose of this book is to address commonly asked questions, all readers will find relevant, engaging material, written in Driscoll's distinctively edgy, yet theologically sound style.

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H.L. Mencken on Religion

H.L. Mencken on Religion Review

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No one ever argued more forcefully or with such acerbic wit against the foolish aspects of religion as H L Mencken. As a journalist, he gained national prominence through his newspaper columns describing the famous 1925 Scopes trial, which pitted religious fundamentalists against a public school teacher who dared to teach evolution. But both before and after the Scopes trial, Mencken spent much of his career as a columnist and book reviewer lampooning the ignorant piety of gullible Americans. S T Joshi has brought together and organised many of Mencken's writings on religion in this provocative and entertaining collection. The articles presented here include satirical accounts of a range of the religious phenomena of his time. On a more serious note are his discussions of the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and the scientific worldview as a rival to religious belief. Also included are poignant autobiographical accounts of Mencken's own upbringing and his core beliefs on religion, ethics, and politics. H.L. Mencken knew that satire, wit, and clever jesting were the most effective ways to battle religious folly, and he used these weapons to their fullest extent in writings spanning almost three decades.

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World Religions (2009): A Voyage of Discovery, Third Edition

World Religions (2009): A Voyage of Discovery, Third Edition Review

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The Subcommittee on the Catechism (formerly the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism), has judged that the text falls outside the scope of the types of materials they review for conformity to the Catechism. The third edition of this highly acclaimed text continues to help young people unlock the doors to 11 of the world's major religious traditions. Updated references highlighting recent events in the history of the traditions, 50 new images, and revised chapter on Sikhism help eleventh and twelfth graders understand the people, dimensions, and religious principles of the world's major religions. (The Subcommittee on the Catechism reviews only materials which are catechetical in nature and which teach the beliefs, practices, and doctrine of the Catholic Faith.) World Religions falls outside the scope of the types of materials the Committee reviews. This text outlines the basic beliefs and practices of the major religions of the world, taking a comparative approach, as do most texts on this topic, to identify the distinctive elements of the various religions.

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50 Things You're Not Supposed To Know: Religion

50 Things You're Not Supposed To Know: Religion Review

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If you're waiting for the world's "Holy Men" to tell you the truth about their religions, do you suppose they'll mention that:

The Tao Te Ching was only created because Lao Tzu was thrown in jail by a disciple who didn't want to let him leave town without writing down his teachings?"Passover" celebrates God killing all firstborn Egyptian kids while Jewish homes were "passed over" by the angel of death?Shinto, a nature-loving, mellow religion, was transformed by the Japanese government into a nationalistic ideology promoting "holy" war?

Adding to its popular 50 Things You're Not Supposed To Know series, Disinformation has teamed with Daniele Bolelli—writer, professor of comparative religion, and renowned martial arts practitioner and philosopher—to tackle an ever more serious and important topic: popular misconceptions about religion. Among other revelations:

Carpocrates, an early Christian, argued that sex orgies were a key to heaven.Prostitution was a religious duty in Mesopotamian temples.The two major Chinese religions (Taoism and Confucianism) are completely at odds with each other and yet are often practiced together.Despite having persecuted Jews for 2,000 years, Christian fundamentalists are Israel's biggest supporters.

Capturing just the right balance of in-depth knowledge, respect, humor and irreverence, Bolelli takes an ecumenical approach to the task, revealing surprising, shocking, and little-known facts about the "big three" religions but also many more, including Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and, of course, the increasingly popular non-religion: atheism.

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Bible myths and their parallels in other religions: being a comparison of the Old and New Testament myths and miracles with those of heathen nations ... considering also their origin and meaning

Bible myths and their parallels in other religions: being a comparison of the Old and New Testament myths and miracles with those of heathen nations ... considering also their origin and meaning Review

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This volume is produced from digital images created by the Internet Archive for The University of Toronto Libraries. The Internet Archive and The University of Toronto Libraries seek to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. To enhance your reading pleasure, HP.s patented BookPrep technology is used to clean and remove aging as well as scanning artifacts. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found at http://www.bookprep.com. To view the University of Toronto Libraries catalogue, please visit http://discover.library.utoronto.ca/catalogue/

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