World Religions: A Guide to the Essentials - Paperback

by Thomas a. Robinson (Author), Hillary P. Rodrigues (Author)

This masterful survey of world religions presents a clear and concise portrait of the history, beliefs, and practices of Eastern and Western religions. The authors, both respected scholars of world religions, have over 50 years of combined teaching experience. Their book is accessibly written for introductory classes, can be easily adapted for one- or two-semester courses, and employs a neutral approach for broad classroom use.

The third edition has been revised throughout, with updated material on the history and contemporary configurations of each tradition and new sections addressing gender, sexuality, and the environment. It also includes effective sidebars, photographs, timelines, charts, calendars, glossaries, and a spelling guide.

Online resources through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources include Powerpoint/Keynote slides, new maps and videos, and a large question bank of multiple-choice test questions (available to professors upon request).

Back Jacket

"An outstanding introduction to religions of the world"

This masterful survey of world religions presents a clear and concise portrait of the history, beliefs, and practices of Eastern and Western religions. The third edition has been revised throughout, with updated material on the history and contemporary configurations of each tradition and new sections addressing gender, sexuality, and the environment.

"This new edition of World Religions 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, James Madison University

"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, The University of Arizona

"This third edition of World Religions once again delivers its concise-yet-comprehensive introduction to religious traditions. Each religion is presented through the categories of history, belief, and practice. These categories are sufficiently broad that each religion's unique features emerge to engage the reader. On the whole, the book offers a model for highly disciplined but still accessible academic writing. Students and instructors will appreciate the many supports: 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, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Praise for Previous Editions

"Highly recommended for first-year college courses on world religions."
--Michael DeRoche, Memorial University of Newfoundland

"One of the best introductory surveys of religions. Its concise and well-structured exposition minimizes technical jargon and sticks to interesting essential details."
--Michael Stoeber, Regis College, University of Toronto

"An invaluable introductory textbook for beginners on the subject."
--John Cheong, Missiology

"The approach of the book is admirable. Each religion (or group of religious traditions) is presented individually and absent any judgment regarding its validity. This allows for the religions to be understood on their own terms."
--Joseph Matos, Review of Biblical Literature

Author Biography

Thomas A. Robinson (PhD, McMaster University) is emeritus professor of religious studies at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, and has written numerous books. He specializes in the relationship between Christianity and Judaism and the development of Christianity's distinctive identity in the Roman Empire.

Hillary P. Rodrigues (PhD, McMaster University) is professor of religious studies at the University of Lethbridge. He specializes in Eastern religions and is the author of several books, including Introduction to the Study of Religion and Introducing Hinduism.