Scriptures Of The Worlds Religions

"Religion is one of the most complex phenomena of world civilization, and several avenues are open for understanding the major faith traditions. We could attempt to have firsthand encounters with those religions by talking with their believers, visiting their sacred sites, or attending classes for converts. Alternatively, we could attempt a more arm's length approach by reading surveys of the various religions, some written by believers defending their faith, others by critics, and even more by academic historians or anthropologists. Yet another avenue is to examine the collected sacred texts revered by these religions themselves. This book takes this last approach. There are special benefits to exploring the world's religions through selections from their scriptures. In most cases the sacred texts are the oldest written documents in the tradition, and we gain a sense of immediate connection with these religions by studying the same documents that followers have been reading for millennia"--

This anthology of scriptures from the world's living religions offers selections that vary in length from a few paragraphs to 10 pages, accompanied by brief introductions that discuss the nature and scope of scripture within each religion as well as the history of each scripture presented. The anthology is also available in two volumes: Scriptures of The East contains sacred writings of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and indigenous religions of the East; Scriptures of The West contains sacred writings of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Baha'i faith, and indigenous religions of the West.

In this systematic and accessible analysis, Harold Coward carefully explores the scriptures - written and spoekn - of six major world faiths. He examines their interpretation, their role in devotion and education, and their relationships with each other.

This anthology of scriptures from the world’s living religions offers selections that vary in length from a few paragraphs to 10 pages, accompanied by brief introductions that discuss the nature and scope of scripture within each religion as well as the history of each scripture presented. The anthology is also available in two volumes:Scriptures of The Eastcontains sacred writings of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and indigenous religions of the East;Scriptures of The Westcontains sacred writings of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Baha’i faith, and indigenous religions of the West.

World Scripture is a guidebook to the primary source materials of the classical, living religions of the world. It is a guidebook which innovatively blends critical and interpretative tools with sacred symbols and stories of Ultimacy.

A world Bible for our time from Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, Taoist, Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and primal religion sources! In this perfect companion to Huston Smith's bestselling The World's Wisdom, Philip Novak distills the most powerful and elegant expressions of the wisdom of humankind. Authentic, poetic translations of key texts are coupled with insightful introductions and "grace notes."

Grand in its sweep, this survey of the sacred writings of the major religions of the world offers a thoughtful introduction to the ideas and beliefs upon which great faiths are built. Under the expert guidance of John Bowker, a religious scholar and author of international stature, readers explore the key texts of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The author discusses some 400 books, among them such well-known sacred texts as the Bible and the Quran, but also spiritual writings by theologians, philosophers, poets, and others. Bowker provides clear and illuminating commentary on each text, describing the content and core tenets of the work and quoting pertinent passages. He also sets the writings in religious and historical contexts, showing how they have influenced—and in many cases continue to influence—artistic, musical, literary, and political traditions. The Message and the Book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the meaning and the deep significance of primary religious texts of civilizations around the globe.

Religions in today’s culture seem to be multiplying. Have you ever wondered why certain religions believe and practice what they do? Or how they view the Bible? This volume delves into these and other engaging questions, such as: How can a Christian witness to people in these religions? Do these other religions believe in creation and a Creator? How do we deal with these religions from a biblical authority perspective? Many religions and cults discussed in this first volume openly affirm that the Bible is true, but then something gets in their way. And there is a common factor every time—man’s fallible opinions. In one way or another the Bible gets demoted, reinterpreted, or completely ignored. Man’s ideas are used to throw the Bible’s clear teaching out the window while false teachings are promoted. This book is a must for laymen, church leaders, teachers, and students to understand the trends in our culture and around the world where certain religions dominate, helping you discern truth and guard your faith. When you understand a religion’s origins and teachings, you are in a better position to know how to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as you take the good news to those in false religions.