Publisher's Synopsis
The third edition of A Concise Introduction to World Religions is a comprehensive introduction to major faith traditions around the globe, designed for single-semester introductory courses. Written by experts on each tradition and building on the strong foundation provided by the two-volume World Religions: Eastern and Western Traditions, A Concise Introduction offers students an engaging, insightful overview of each tradition's history, teachings, practices, and interactions with the contemporary world. Newly written chapters on Indigenous, Jewish, and Christian traditions, as well as a new chapter introducing the study of religion, bring fresh perspectives to the third edition. Authors have also increased focus on contemporary issues. The rich pedagogical program of the second edition has been expanded. "Document" boxes provide excerpts from important texts, hymns, and prayers; "focus" boxes offer additional insight on interesting topics; "site" boxes highlight places with special significance to create a rich learning experience; and "sacred text" boxes outline the timelines and practices associated with various sacred texts in each tradition. Visually stunning, more full-colour photographs with captions effectively illustrate the practices, rituals, and symbols characteristic of each tradition while maps help situate their evolution.
