Religion
A Beginner's Guide
Will be published approx. on 28. May 2001
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-85168-258-4 (ISBN)
Description
This unique introduction takes a careful look at the role of religion and the spiritual dimension in the real world. Conversational in tone, but built on a solid foundation of knowledge, it covers an enormous range of issues in a succinct and straightforward style, from the origins of religious belief to the future of religion in today's spiritual landscape. Drawing on history, theology, sociology, philosophy and the words of great thinkers old and new, this lively little volume will both inform and stimulate.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
254 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-85168-258-4 (9781851682584)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
12/2012
1st Edition
Oneworld Publications
€5.92
Available for download
Person
Martin Forward is currently the Helena Wackerlin Professor of Religious Studies at Aurora University, Illinois, and Executive Director of its Center for Faith and Action. He is an ordained Methodist minister, is the author and editor of numerous books and articles, and is an acknowledged expert in contemporary religious studies.
Content
1. What is religion? Religion The origins of religion The age of nationalism and internationalism Criticisms of the secular quest for the origins of religion The end of the quest for the origins of religion The place of religion in society Religions: a modern invention? Religion as systems Empathy for the religious other? The perennial philosophy How to recognise a religion 2. Is anyone or something there? Polytheism Monotheism The one and the many Tribal or universal? Does it really matter whether anyone or anything is there? three how the transcendent sees us and we see the transcendent Art and aesthetics Holy places Holy word Holy people The mystical path Festivals and festivities Worship Spirituality 4. The good life Life beyond? The way through dusty death The moving finger? A universal rule? What sort of God is God? 5. Religion in the new millennium Idealisation of the past Reconstructions of religion Diasporas The search for justice The question of truth Faith in the future of religion Bibliography Index