World Religions: An Indispensable Introduction

by Gerald R McDermott

Overview

An essential and concise introduction to eight of the world's major religions.

For the Christian, there's value in learning about different religions and unfamiliar expressions of belief. First of all, it gives us a greater understanding of the world we live in. But a study of other faiths can also deepen our own while making us more effective witnesses to those who don’t share a belief in Christ.

In World Religions, Gerald R. McDermott explains what you need to understand about major world religions so that you can be equipped to engage people of other faiths. McDermott offers an overview of the central beliefs of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto.

Features include:

• Insights from members of each religious community.
• Discussions of each religion's major traditions, rituals, and leaders.
• A glossary of important terms.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781418545970
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	04/04/2011
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Gerald R. McDermott (PhD, University of Iowa) is the Anglican professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School. McDermott has been the author, co-author, or editor of more than twenty books. An Anglican priest, he is teaching pastor at Christ the King Anglican Church, and is married to Jean. Together they have three sons and twelve grandchildren.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

When Did the Religions Start?: A Timeline viii

Introduction: Why Study the World Religions? 1

1 Hinduisms: The World's Oldest Set of Religions 9

2 Judaism: Christianity's Mother and Older Brother 25

3 Buddhism: The West's Favorite Non-Christian Religion 39

4 Confucianism and Daoism: Two of the Biggest Nation's Three Religions 57

5 Christianity: What You Believe but Have a Hard Time Explaining 77

6 Shinto: The National Religion of Japan 95

7 Islam: The World's Most Important Religion Geopolitically 105

8 Two Common Questions 123

Notes 131

Glossary 133

Bibliography and Additional Resources 136