World Religions

“This new edition of World Religions: A Guide to the Essentials provides an accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking exploration of the role of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Chinese religions, and Japanese religions in human life and society as understood, lived, and experienced by insiders of these traditions. It invites students to think about their own values, beliefs, and practices and about those of people who authentically hold ones that are different from theirs as they prepare to find their way through the world. A masterpiece, indeed!”—Sushil Mittal, Department of Philosophy and Religion, James Madison University

“In World Religions: A Guide to the Essentials, Robinson and Rodrigues provide a rich, nuanced introduction to world religions. This textbook includes lively and lucid text that is written in a straightforward and thought-provoking style. The text is accompanied by illuminating images and sidebars that help students work their way through difficult subject matter. This textbook is certain to be a class favorite.”—Caleb Simmons, distinguished fellow, Center for University Education Scholarship; faculty director, Interdisciplinary Studies Program; associate professor of religious studies, The University of Arizona

“This third edition of World Religions: A Guide to the Essentials once again delivers its concise-yet-comprehensive introduction to religious traditions and is extremely well suited to a twelve-week junior-level university or college course. With nine chapters focused on major religions and two chapters on groups of traditions (Ancient religions, Indigenous American Religions, ‘New’ Religions), the authors employ a structure that enhances accessibility for students: each religion is presented through the categories of history, belief, and practice. Yet, these categories are sufficiently broad that each religion’s unique features emerge to engage the reader. Concision and complexity, nuance and clarity are well-balanced here: in only 321 pages, we have clear and highly detailed portraits of each religion that address complex developments and structures. On the whole, the book offers a model for highly disciplined but still accessible academic writing. Students and instructors will appreciate the many supports provided throughout (and enhanced in this third edition): maps and timelines, graphic and photographic images, and lists of suggested readings. Text boxes and mini-glossaries appropriate for each chapter give convenient overviews of key texts, historical figures, symbols, concepts, and practices. An outstanding introduction to religions of the world and to the academic study of them!”—Patricia Dold, associate professor, Department of Religious Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland