Synopses & Reviews
This new introduction to the world's major religions provides a comprehensive survey of the major traditions with selected primary readings. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, The Major Religions will be the ideal introduction for students on shorter courses at college and university.
Review
"If you need a text for an introductory course in the world religions, your search will be over after you examine Professor Burke's The Major Religions. What recommends it? Its fresh, lucid and unpretentious style, its direct approach to the essentials of each major tradition, its clear awareness of the abilities and resources of the undergraduate mind. The text is an ideal combination of analysis, illustration, classical texts (with commentary), discussion questions, suggestions for tests and additional reading. Professor Burke and his editors have produced what comes close to the ideal college textbook. Its exciting arrangement will have students eager to turn to their religion assignment."
James E Biechler, Emeritus Professor of Religions, La Salle University, Philadelphia "Professor Burke's approach is one which I think would be appealing in those contexts (particularly one semester courses) for which it is designed. The inclusion of sources in the book, if designed for one-semester use, is an excellent idea, and furthermore, I think that Professor Burke's selection of sources is remarkably apt. Pedagogically, I think that the book is well done: it will be accessible and interesting to students, and it has plenty of examples." Professor Dewey D. Wallace Jr., George Washington University.
About the Author
T. Patrick Burke is Professor in the Department of Religion at Temple University.
Table of Contents
Preface.
Introduction.
Part I: The Religions of Indian Origin:.
1. Hinduism. Hinduism Texts.
2. Buddhism. Buddhism Texts.
Part II: The Religions of Chinese Origin: .
3. Traditional Chinese Religion and Confucianism. Confucianism Texts.
4. Taoism. Taoism Texts.
5. Chinese Buddhism. Chinese Buddhism Texts.
Part III: The Religions of Semitic Origin:.
6. Judaism. Israelite Religion. Rabbinic Judaism. Judaism Texts.
7. Islam. Islam Texts.
8. Christianity. Christianity Texts.
Glossary.
Index.