The World's Religions: A Study of the Essential Teachings of the World's Major Faiths (Plus) - Softcover

Smith, Huston

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061660183 ISBN 13: 9780061660184

Publisher: HarperOne, 2009

Synopsis

The World’s Religions, by beloved author and pioneering professor Huston Smith (Tales of Wonder), is the definitive classic for introducing the essential elements and teachings of the world’s predominant faiths. This essential guide to comparative religion covers Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as regional native traditions.

This revised and updated edition provides sympathetic descriptions of the various traditions, explaining how they work “from the inside,” which is a big reason why this cherished classic of religious studies has sold more than two million copies since it first appeared in 1958.

For decades, students and seekers have turned to this landmark text for its clear, objective, and engaging exploration of humanity’s most enduring spiritual traditions.

• Sympathetic Introductions: Go beyond doctrine to understand the world’s major faiths as they are experienced “from the inside,” with respect and profound insight.
• Covers Major World Religions: Journey through the essential teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Scholarly Yet Accessible: Written by a pioneering professor, this book translates complex ideas into a readable and compelling narrative, perfect for students and general readers alike.
• A Foundational Text: Discover why this cherished classic has been a foundational text in religious studies for generations, selling more than two million copies.

About this title

About the Author

Huston Smith is internationally known and revered as the premier teacher of world religions. He is the focus of a five-part PBS television series with Bill Moyers and has taught at Washington University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, and the University of California at Berkeley. The recipient of twelve honorary degrees, Smith's fifteen books include his bestselling The World's Religions, Why Religion Matters, and his autobiography, Tales of Wonder.

From the Back Cover

Huston Smith's masterpiece explores the essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the native traditions of Australia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

Emphasizing the inner—rather than the institutional—dimension of these religions, Smith devotes special attention to Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, and the teachings of Jesus. He convincingly conveys the unique appeal and gifts of each of the traditions and reveals their hold on the human heart and imagination.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperOne
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0061660183
• ISBN 13: 9780061660184
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448