The Handy Religon Answer Book: Second Edition

(Paperback, 2nd New edition)

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Description

The Handy Religion Answer Book provides solid descriptions of major beliefs and rituals worldwide, affording the reader an understanding of contemporary religion. Providing detailed descriptions of the history, beliefs, symbols, rituals, observations, customs, membership, leaders, and organization of the world's eight major religious traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto. Clearly and eloquently written by a scholar, this book is an easy-to-use comparative guide.

Reviews

"Understanding religion...is an important key to understanding human culture and history.... [T]he average reader...should benefit greatly from this resource."-- About.com

"Renard (theological studies, St. Louis U.) offers a reference work on religion arranged in chapters on 8 different faiths. The material proceeds through almost 800 questions and one or two paragraph general answers."-- Book News

"When done well, [frequently asked questions] provide quick access to informative answers to specific questions. The Handy Religion Answer Book successfully ... introduce(s) some of the world's major religious traditions. This well-priced volume is highly recommended."-- Booklist

"packs a great deal of helpful information into a usable format.... provide(s) clear and succinct explanations.... Recommended."-- Choice

"Anyone - student, news junkie or bet-settler - who needs quick access to information about a major religion would do well to have this...book nearby."-- New York Daily News

"Concise and accessible, this is an outstanding resource for those with a general interest in major religions of the modern world."-- School Library Journal

"Renard...has produced a book that is inviting to sit down and read through chapter by chapter."-- St. Louis Post - Dispatch

Author Bio

John Renard, PhD, is a professor in the department of theological studies at Saint Louis University. He is the author of several books, including "Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood"; "Islam and Christianity: Theological Themes in Comparative Perspective"; and "Tales of God's Friends: Islamic Hagiography in Translation." He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.