Invitation to World Religions

Fourth Edition

Jeffrey Brodd, Layne Little, Bradley Nystrom, Robert Platzner, Richard Shek, and Erin Stiles

• A consistent, modular chapter structure-"Teachings," "History," and "Way of Life"-enables students to navigate each religion in a consistent and systematic way and helps them make comparisons between religions
• A lucid and accessible writing style imparts a sense of invitation, welcoming students into the beliefs and practices of religious adherents around the world
• A team of authors with diverse specialties ensures that each religion is covered with true expertise
• "Voices" interviews present personal, candid interviews with a diverse array of people sharing the ways in which they live their traditions, giving students an insider's perspective on the traditions they are studying
• “Global Snapshot” highlights how each religion is reflected in a globalized world or as it is lived in diasporic communities
• "Seeking Answers" sections at the end of each chapter encourage students to compare the ways in which different religions address the same essential questions
• "Visual Guides" offer keys to important religious symbols in easy-to-read tables for quick reference and comparison
• Chapter-opening maps and timelines throughout the text provide a geographical context for each religion's development and help students to trace the evolution of each religion within its larger social and political context
• "For Review" and “For Further Reflection” questions prompt students to reexamine essential concepts and invite students to think critically and to engage in deeper analyses
• Key terms are boldfaced at their first appearance and defined in the glossaries that follow each chapter as well as in a comprehensive glossary at the end of the book
• Suggestions for further reading direct students to some of the best and most recent print and online resources on each tradition
• A wealth of rich and relevant color photographs and illustrations keep students visually engaged and add visual experience to the verbal descriptions of sacred objects, buildings, art, and other material aspects of religious life
• A robust ancillary program includes student quizzes, chapter learning objectives, suggested web links, and flashcards

New to this Edition:

• Twenty-first Century boxes: A new feature highlighting in a concentrated manner how each religion is manifested in contemporary times, as reflected in population figures and current trends. These boxes are consistently located at the end of each chapter, allowing for easily accessible information on the state of the religion today
• Focus on religion and the environment: Each chapter includes substantive consideration of the religion's stance on the environment and on activities aimed at caring for the natural world
• Enhanced consideration of gender roles and personal identity: Moving beyond standalone sections on “Women and Religion” and attending to perspectives both traditional and modern, each chapter clarifies gender roles and examines forces that have brought about transformations. Issues involving sexuality and gender identity are also explored
• A more uniform writing style and better images and graphics

Invitation to World Religions

Fourth Edition

Jeffrey Brodd, Layne Little, Bradley Nystrom, Robert Platzner, Richard Shek, and Erin Stiles

Description

Invitation to World Religions

Fourth Edition

Jeffrey Brodd, Layne Little, Bradley Nystrom, Robert Platzner, Richard Shek, and Erin Stiles

Table of Contents

Invitation to World Religions

Fourth Edition

Jeffrey Brodd, Layne Little, Bradley Nystrom, Robert Platzner, Richard Shek, and Erin Stiles

Author Information