Customer Reviews

The Sacred Paths: Understanding the Religions of the World (4th Edition)

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I bought this book in 1991 (it has been re-published since then, apparently) as the textbook for a world religions course. It is still on my shelves while others have come and gone. By constraining itself to only the major religions, it gives each religion a full treatment explaining the significance of the principal characters in the context of history and its indigenous culture as well as the dogma itself. This is an excellent book if you are looking for a "survey" of the most widely practiced religious beliefs.

I teach comparative religion at a college level and I have found this book to be one of the best I have ever found. Ludwig gives the reader a comprehensive view of the major religions of the world from a spiritual as well as academic perspective. As far as I can see the book is organized around the six dimensions developed by Ninian Smart. Each religion can be analized from the experiential, the mythical, the ritual, the doctrinal, the ethical and the social dimensions, although Ludwig uses some other terms. This is a great resource to get more than a superficial understanding of the worlds sacred paths.

I've taught as an adjunct at the community college level in Kentucky for 11 years now. I've graduated from Volume 2 to 3 and for the last five years to vol 4. I highly recommend this textbook as well as any future editions

Product was in good condition. Shipped within time allotted. No complaints :-) Would recommend seller!