World Religions

Presenting both the histories and the prevalent worldviews of the major world religions, Matthews' WORLD RELIGIONS methodically introduces students to the richness and diversity of these traditions. The "Worldview" sections in particular make this textbook the most helpful textbook when it comes to comparative analyses of the religions. In these sections students can see how the different religions understand a common set of ten themes that are fundamental to all traditions, including the nature of the Absolute, the place of humans in the world, rituals and symbols, and the prospects for life after death. Furthermore, this text combines insightful, engaging prose with maps, photographs, timelines, excerpts from sacred texts, and other helpful pedagogical aids, to employ a scholarly approach that neither shields students from current research nor encumbers them with it. Students are encouraged, individually and collectively, to pursue their own dialogues with the voices and nuances of these religions.

Warren Matthews is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he previously served as department chair and as dean of Student Affairs and vice president. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion. WORLD RELIGIONS, Sixth Edition, has developed from his frequent conversations with members of diverse religions in classrooms, campuses, communities, and international travels as well as from his scholarly work.