Introduces Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Shinto, and Taoism through the eyes of young members of those faiths.
--This text refers to the
Library Binding
edition.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-A brief, colorful introduction to religions of the world. Ten pages each are devoted to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism each receive four pages of discussion, and Shinto, Taoism, and "Some Other Faiths" are discussed on double-page spreads. Sections cover information of interest to children: beliefs and practice; holidays; and customs such as christening, circumcision, naming ceremonies, bar and bat mitzvahs, marriage, and funerals. Color photos, reproductions, and drawings on every page add interest.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
From Booklist
Writing a survey of world religions is very difficult, especially when it's meant for a middle-grade age group. The variations and intricacies of each faith make generalities inevitable. Yet, despite all the obstacles, Brown and Langley offer a knowledgeable, friendly effort that will give kids an overview of eight world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and Sikhism. The hook here is that the information is being offered by boys and girls who represent the various religions. Each child explains the religion to the others, and, of course, to the reader, covering history, beliefs and practices, places of worship, holy days, and celebrations. Much of the discussion is based in orthodoxy--for instance, the Jewish narrator discusses what it means to keep kosher--but some variations are also noted, for example, the fact that in some branches of Judaism, women can be rabbis. The art is cartoon style, but in the best sense of the word, well executed and bright. Drawings are mixed and matched with color photos. A few other faiths, such as Jainism, are mentioned in a final two-page spread, and a glossary completes the package. Ilene Cooper
--This text refers to the
Library Binding
edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An imperfect but admirable reference work,
This review is from: What I Believe:A Young Person's Guide to the Religions of the World (Paperback)
"What I Believe: A Young Person's Guide to the Religions of the World," by Alan Brown and Andrew Langley, is overall a well written book. The book includes several chapters, each of which is dedicated to a major religious tradition: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Shinto. There is also a "catch-all" chapter which gives limited information on other traditions: the Jain faith, the Baha'i faith, Rastafarianism, etc.The various chapters describe certain aspects of these religions: the founding figure, customs, festivals, rites of passage, holy books, etc. The articles also describe some of the diversity in each tradition. The book also has a helpful glossary at the end. The book is not without flaws and inconsistencies. For example, the authors mention "new cults" without really explaining the term. Also, they seem to leave out any real acknowledgment of secular humanism, atheism, or religious liberalism. Overall, the book presents a rather sanitized look at world religions. The authors write, "As long as we respect each other's beliefs and allow people to practice their religion freely, the world should be a happier place. Religion can help us to live like brothers and sisters." A nice sentiment, but often far from harsh reality. Despite its flaws, however, "What I Believe" is an admirable achievement overall.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good effort at tackling a difficult subject and audience,
By "umpetra" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: What I Believe (Library Binding)
What I Believe is a brightly illustrated "first-person" introduction to various world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Shinto, and Taoism. Each major belief system is told through the eyes of a cheerfully drawn child who compare and contrast the major tenets of their faiths. Color photographs are interspersed with drawings of the children describing what it means to be of their faith, traditions, festivals, and practices around the world. This is a simple introduction to comparative religion, and it would be nearly impossible to try to describe all of the variants of each religion, so it comes as no surprise that there are a few details that have been left out. For instance, no mention is made that while Jews remember the near-sacrifice of Abraham's son Isaac, Muslims believe that the story is told about his son Ishmael - a minor differenc to some, but obviously not to Jews and Muslims. Much of the section on Christianity focuses on Catholic and Anglican worship, describing special garments that priests wear, saints, candles, and other trappings not traditionally found in many Protestant services. Finally, there are a few editing mistakes that obscure meaning: is the Buddhist meditative cloth a thanka or a tharka? Other than those glitches, this is a nice addition to any library for children, as it seems to be written from an ecumenical point of view, encouraging children to learn about and respect one another's faith systems. From a non-expert point of view, it does not seem to contain offensive or questionable information, and the fun illustrations are an easy way to introduce children to a variety of cultural and religious practices.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
No cover or mention of any form of modern paganism,
This review is from: What I Believe:A Young Person's Guide to the Religions of the World (Paperback)
This book does a great job of covering a variety of religions today, but fails to mention - as most books in this category do -anything about the modern pagan movement. In North America alone, there are millions of practicing pagans. Our beliefs are of no less value than any other religion. I'm sirprised that Wicca isn't even covered in these books; as Wicca is officially a santified religion in the United States.
Paganism is an Earth-centered spirituality and focuses on love and reverence for All Life and our Mother Earth. It deserves recognition. How will my children feel, as we read through books on religions of the world, when even the most obscure religions are covered, but not their own? I don't care what religion you follow or what preconceptions/misconceptions you have about paganism. For a complete and tolerant world view, it's a crime not to address this prevalent form of spirituality.
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