World religions. Western traditions - Willard Gurdon Oxtoby

The fourth edition of World Religions: Western Traditions provides students with an authoritative examination of Western religions. In this contributed text, experts on Jewish, Christian, Muslim, ancient, indigenous, and new traditions employ extensive knowledge and rigorous research to thoroughly investigate each fascinating tradition. Accessible and engaging, the text explores the origins, central teachings, divisions and branches, rituals and practices, influences on culture, and responses to modern challenges for each tradition. Newly written chapters on Jewish and Christian traditions bring fresh perspectives to the volume and join established contributions to create an enhanced fourth edition. The new edition also includes more content on the role of women and an increased focus on contemporary issues in a new "Recent Developments" section in every chapter. Additions to the dynamic pedagogical program retained from the third edition include chapter outlines, chapter summaries, discussion questions, and "Sacred Texts" tables. "Document" boxes provide excerpts from important texts, hymns, and prayers; "focus" boxes offer additional insight on interesting topics; and new "site" boxes highlight places with special significance to create a rich learning experience.Visually stunning, more full-colour photographs effectively illustrate the practices, rituals, and symbols characteristic of each tradition, while maps help situate their evolution. Recognized as the definitive survey of the subject, the fourth edition of World Religions: Western Traditions continues to provide a readable and reliable introduction to Western religions.