This historically organized collection of scriptural sources and interpretive essays can be used on its own or as a supplement. Its overall goal is to help beginning students read and understand significant source material pertaining to the great religions of the West.

PART I. INTRODUCTION

1. A Challenge

Lee H. Yearley: “New Religious Virtues and the Study of Religion”

2. What Is Religion?

Rem B. Edwards: The Search for Family Resemblances of Religion

3. How Should We Study Religion?

William E. Paden: Comparative Perspectives / Wayne Proudfoot: Explanation

PART II. WAYS OF BEING RELIGIOUS ORIGINATING IN THE NEAR EAST

4. Jewish Ways of Being Religious

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