Introduction: The Importance of Understanding the Value-Systems of the World. 1. The Dawn of Western Religions. 2. Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism. 3. Greek, Roman, and Imperial Religions. 4. The Israelites and Early Judaism. 5. Late Medieval and Modern Judaism. 6. Early and Medieval Christianity. 7. Christianity in the Modern Era. 8. The Christianities of North America. 9. Early, Classical, and Medieval Islam. 10. Islam in the Modern Era. 11. Classical and New Religions in the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. 12. Conclusion: Recent Trends in the World of Religions. Bibliography. Picture Credits. Index.

gives a balanced and rounded view of the traditions. Analyzes each in terms of seven dimensions: doctrinenarrativeethicsexperienceritualsocial organization and materialartistic expressiondeals substantially with modern developments as well as with early history of the traditions. highlights how religions have changed. Explores the modern manifestations of ancient religions. contains accounts of “Southern” religions — African, Native (Central and South) American, Pacific, and also of the Southern manifestations of Western religions. provides a realistic view of Christianity — whose center of gravity is moving southcontains maps and photos throughout.