Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day

by Garry R. Morgan

Overview

User-Friendly Beginner's Guide to World Religions

The world is becoming more integrated. What once seemed like the religions of exotic faraway lands are now practiced by families next door. These short, easily digestible readings give an overview of the beliefs, histories, and practices of dozens of religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and many more. Garry Morgan blends the knowledge of a college professor with real-world experience and an accessible style. Broken into forty brief chapters, this book can be used as a reference for those who need quick and clear answers or read straight through by curious readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764210037
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/01/2012
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Garry R. Morgan is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Northwestern College. He served with World Venture from 1974-1976 and 1982-1999 in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Garry is married, has a grown daughter, and lives in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

Acknowledgments 11

1 What Is Religion? 13

2 Why Learn About Other Religions? 17

3 Christianity: What Sets It Apart? 21

4 Roman Catholic Christianity 25

5 Eastern Orthodox Christianity 30

6 Protestant Christianity 34

7 Evangelical Christianity 38

8 Animism and Folk Religions 42

9 Native American Religions 46

10 African Traditional Religions 50

11 Judaism: Historical Development 54

12 Judaism: Today 58

13 Zoroastrianism 62

14 Islam: Beginnings 66

15 Islam: Foundations 70

16 Islam: Beliefs 74

17 Islam: Theology 78

18 Islam: Varieties and Issues 82

19 The Nation of Islam 86

20 Baha'i 90

21 Hinduism: Origins 94

22 Hinduism: Beliefs and Practices 98

23 Hinduism: Today 102

24 Jainism 106

25 Sikhism 110

26 Theravada Buddhism 114

27 Mahayana Buddhism 118

28 Tibetan Buddhism 122

29 Confucianism 126

30 Taoism 130

31 Shinto 134

32 Secular Humanism 138

33 Cults, "Isms," and Contemporary Religious Movements 142

34 The Unitarian-Universalist Association, The Unity School of Christianity, and The Unification Church 146

35 Christian Science and Scientology 150

36 Mormonism 154

37 Jehovah's Witnesses 158

38 Neopagan Religions 162

39 New Age Religions 166

40 Transcendental Meditation 170