Belief and Science

Billions of people continue to place their faith in a god, or gods, in the spirits or in some form of divinity. Many others adhere to alternative beliefs outside the major faith traditions, while for others science and secular modernity provide the basis for a meaningful life.

The new, illustrated Chambers Dictionary of Beliefs and Religions includes more than 3,200 entries ranging from Catholicism to sharia law, doomsday cults to eco-paganism, and yogic flying to the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It looks at what followers of the world's major religions believe, at the origins of these faiths, and at how belief shapes our daily lives. It examines what happens when ancient faiths and the modern world collide, as in stem cell research or the teaching of creationism in schools.

This fascinating and illuminating book is an essential reference for anyone with an interest in today's world.

* More than 3,200 entries give international coverage of all areas of faith, belief and religion in a balanced and impartial manner
* Up-to-date coverage of current areas of controversy and discussion
* Accurate, scholarly content, accessibly presented for the general reader
* Almost 200 colour photographs bring the descriptions of ceremonies, places and customs to life
* Panel articles covering key issues in greater depth
* Cross-referenced for ease of use

Mark Vernon is the author of several books including After Atheism (2007), The Philosophy of Friendship (2005) and Wellbeing (2008). He has degrees in physics and theology, and a PhD in philosophy and is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck College, London. He also writes for newspapers including the Guardian, TLS and Financial Times, and began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England.

Contributors: Editor in Chief Mark Vernon is writer and author of several books including After Atheism (2007), The Philosophy of Friendship (2005) and Wellbeing (2008). He has degrees in physics and theology, and a PhD in philosophy and is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck College, London. He also writes for newspapers including the Guardian, TLS and Financial Times, and began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. Consultants Paula Cowan, University of the West of Scotland Clive Erricker, Hampshire County Inspector for Religious Education Jeremy Hall, editor of "Dialogue" Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Scottish Interfaith Council Christian Lange, University of Edinburgh Paul Oliver, University of Huddersfield Veronica Voiels, formerly Manchester Metropolitan University