Customer Reviews

Many Peoples, Many Faiths (9th Edition)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The book gives an analysis about religion in general, the most popular religions that we already know much about. They leave out Africa and South America completely. They do not describe the religions of indigenous people. The CD has pictures of some famous theologians, people we all know; I don't see the point in that. If they had included a few lesser known religions, I think the book would be worth the money.

This was the required text for an introduction to world religions class I took last year. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about religions and cultures I have been wanting to know more about; as well as gained a new perspective on some religions I was already familiar with. This text takes a historical approach to understanding world religions and has found a way to present foreign ideas and beliefs in such a way that these concepts actually make sense. For those who are concerned, a devout follower of any religion can safely read this without feeling like your personal beliefs are being threatened.

The author seems well traveled and has good incites on his subject. The chapters can be a little slow going with few pictures. Very good info though.

You can't beat the price for a like new condition book. Worked perfect for the class i needed it for.

This was a required text for a summer course. It arrived in good condition and in time for the start of class. Thank you.

The book was brand new, CD included, and it came fast just as promised. Recommended.

Ellwood has provided a detailed and clear look at world religions. Attention given to primal and archaic cultures and modern expressions of religion are especially helpful.

My religion class had to buy this book, otherwise, we probably wouldn't buy it. When I read it, I thought the authors had no passion for the subject.Many times, I would have to read sentences over and over because the wording of the sentences was odd. The authors didn't explain most concepts clearly.

What did I like about the book? Hmmmm... there were some nice pictures. Other than that, there's not much that I like about the book. I give it a 3 because it's tolerable. A typical school textbook.

The chapter covering Native Peoples in this book is simply awful. To be described as 'Archaic Hunters' Archaic Gatherers' etc. is simply insulting to the vast tribal traditions that are alive and well in our world today. Tribal traditions carry with them very important and vital teachings for our current and contemporary times. Anyone seeking a book that covers a holistic approach to the religions of the world will come up very short in this book as regards tribal traditions. Sadly the tribal traditions are the very first traditions that are covered in the text and soured me to the rest of the book completely. Nowhere is there mention of the vast tribes that exist around the world and the practices they have therein. Falling into an arena of glittering generalities tribal culture, distinction and life way is lost. Being set in a prehistoric frame of reference is an affront to all tribal peoples the world over that are struggling and working to stay alive in a world that looks to consume everything in sight. Unfortunately I think this book has greatly missed the mark here and has lent to greater disintegration of tribal life ways that are still very much a part of our world. As a teacher of Religions of the World courses I would not recommend this text at all.