Synopses & Reviews
Grand in its sweep, this survey of the sacred writings of the major religions of the world offers a thoughtful introduction to the ideas and beliefs upon which great faiths are built. Under the expert guidance of John Bowker, a religious scholar and author of international stature, readers explore the key texts of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The author discusses some 400 books, among them such well-known sacred texts as the Bible and the Quran, but also spiritual writings by theologians, philosophers, poets, and others.
Bowker provides clear and illuminating commentary on each text, describing the content and core tenets of the work and quoting pertinent passages. He also sets the writings in religious and historical contexts, showing how they have influencedand#8212;and in many cases continue to influenceand#8212;artistic, musical, literary, and political traditions. The Message and the Book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the meaning and the deep significance of primary religious texts of civilizations around the globe.
Review
“Writings by a wide range of scholars and poets such as Dante and Bonhoeffer, al-Ghazali and ibn Ishaq, Maimonides, Nichiren, Kabir, and many others. . . . Recommended.”—C
hoice Choice
Review
"A masterly survey of the major writings of the religions of the world, presenting their canonical texts along with texts regarded as secondary revelation and other writings from theologians, philosophers and poets. Grand in its historical sweep and extensive in geographical extent, this richly textured book is detailed, engaging, clear and original. Anyone wishing to understand the world's religions should read this book."—Gavin Flood, Oxford University Gavin Flood
Synopsis
A magisterial single-volume guide to the great faiths of the world through their most important writings
Grand in its sweep, this survey of the sacred writings of the major religions of the world offers a thoughtful introduction to the ideas and beliefs upon which great faiths are built. Under the expert guidance of John Bowker, a religious scholar and author of international stature, readers explore the key texts of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The author discusses some 400 books, among them such well-known sacred texts as the Bible and the Quran, but also spiritual writings by theologians, philosophers, poets, and others.
Bowker provides clear and illuminating commentary on each text, describing the content and core tenets of the work and quoting pertinent passages. He also sets the writings in religious and historical contexts, showing how they have influenced--and in many cases continue to influence--artistic, musical, literary, and political traditions. The Message and the Book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the meaning and the deep significance of primary religious texts of civilizations around the globe.
Synopsis
A magisterial single-volume guide to the great faiths of the world through their most important writings
Synopsis
This magisterial guide introduces the great faiths of the world through their most important writings. Surveying 400 key religious books, the author engagingly discusses the content, core tenets, and significance of each.
About the Author
John Bowker is a former fellow of Corpus Christi College and Trinity College, Cambridge, and of Gresham College, London. He lives in the UK.