Author Description

"Featuring a unique, tripartite chapter structure and market-leading pedagogy, 'Invitation to World Religions', Fourth Edition, invites students to explore the world's great religions with respect and a sense of wonder. The chapter structure -- which foregrounds "Teachings", "History", and "Ways of Life" -- enables students to navigate each religion in a consistent, systematic manner and helps them think comparatively. In addition to describing the essential features of each tradition, the book shows how religions have responded to basic human needs and to the cultural contexts in which they developed. The authors encourage students to appreciate the "lived" meaning of religious beliefs and practices. New to this Edition: "Twenty-first century" boxes: A new feature highlighting in a concentrated manner how each religion is manifested in contemporary times, as reflected in population figures and current trends; Focus on religion and the environment: Each chapter includes substantive consideration of the religion's stance on the environment and on activities aimed at caring for the natural world; Enhanced consideration of gender roles and personal identity: Attending to perspectives both traditional and modern, each chapter explores gender roles and examines forces that have brought about transformations in these categories."--taken from back cover.