World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored & Explained [Paperback]

John Bowker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2006

Taking a refreshing new approach to understanding different faiths, World Religions looks at the beliefs and practices of many different religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA. An easy-to-follow, pictorial resource that is overflowing with information. Colorful pictures enhance each page with virtually every detail identified via arrows and described in a detailed caption. Each chapter begins with a succinct introduction and is followed by one-or-two page sections that explain the basic tenets of the faith, symbols, events, people, buildings, works of art, and the differences and similarities to other religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are included as are Jainism, Sikhism, Chinese and Japanese religions, and Native religions. The time line places key figures and events of one faith in relation to important people of another belief. Maps identify locations of sacred sites and the spread of the religion. Pages that include tall pictures are printed sideways across the double-page spread. This means the illustrations can be larger and clearer, but it is awkward for readers, who must constantly turn this oversized volume around. However, this is a visual feast that will be useful in most collections.?Anita Short, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Bowker (divinity, Gresham Coll., London) has produced two very different books, though both are focused on world religion. The Oxford Dictionary, whose entries often lack information on etymology and pronunciation, is actually a one-volume desktop encyclopedia for ready reference. Combining brevity of exposition with a massive number of entries in an attempt to be dictionary-like, the work suffers from trying to be comprehensive in breadth of coverage instead of depth. The psychology of religion is discussed in a half-page, for instance, and the Church Fathers get only two sentences. In addition, the entries are uneven in quality; one has the feeling that the 80 contributors are each writing according to his or her own personal interests and styles. Despite these idiosyncracies, the work is a solid reference source for people who want to know only the barest of facts about any religious topic. In World Religions, on the other hand, one has the feeling that Bowker, now the author, is finally freed to range over what he wants to say and how he wants to say it. This book is a bold attempt to meld religious information with expressive art and to use the art as a tool for pedagogy. Each religion is represented by a few brilliantly illustrated icons, paintings, or sculptures, which the author painstakingly annotates to illuminate their theologies and deepen one's insight. Whether he is using Michelangelo's Final Judgment to explain Christian eschatology or a handscroll of Chou Ch'en to explain Taoist concepts of immortality, the emphasis upon the visual makes these religions vibrant and intriguing. There are surprising discrepancies between the two works. World Religions has generous discussions of the ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Norse, and Celtic religions, topics not even included in the Oxford Dictionary. There are also variations of names. Ultimately, World Religions is the more commendable publication, though both books are recommended for most libraries.?Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT (February 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756617723
• ISBN-13: 978-0756617721
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > History
  • #40 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Comparative Religion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

100 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, September 12, 2001

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: World Religions (Hardcover)

This richly illustrated book shows the world's most important religions with detailed annotation of sacred texts, paintings, epic imagery, symbolism, iconography, key beliefs, architecture and artifacts. World Religions gives insights into the world's main religions and offers a deeper appreciation for the belief you have chosen as your own.

Through the pages, the author looks at the beliefs and practices of many different religions from the ancient Egyptians to the faiths practiced today.

I have so enjoyed John Bowker's books and he has given me so insights into the religions of the world. He was the dean of Trinity College, Cambridge from 1984 to 1991. He is the author of many books, including The Meanings of Death and The Complete Bible Handbook.

With the knowledge presented, you can learn about the central leaders and their teachings, examine the similarities and differences and discover the main beliefs behind each faith.

The chapters include:

What is Religion? - An explanation of what it means to be religious.

Ancient Religions - Why have most cultures had a religion?

Hinduism
Jainism
Buddhism
Sikhism
Chinese Religions
Japanese Religions
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Native Religions

The Golden Rule - How this rule exists in all religions in some form or the other.

Religious Timeline and Maps - Six pages, one with a very helpful timeline that shows when the religion came to be and how it evolved over time.

Further Reading - A page of books organized according to the religion they explain.

"What you do not want done to you, do not do to others." -Confucius, is found in every religion in some form or the other!

The belief in a higher power is found in every culture and seems almost essential to our existence. Why do we "want" to believe in a God? Why do we choose one religion over the other? Here you can explore your choice and see the choices of others.

A beautiful journey.

~The Rebecca Review

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars complete, interesting, and unbiased, December 10, 2002

By 

Ashley J. Motia "heartflux" (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: World Religions (Hardcover)

Unlike other books that claim to present an unbiased, fair view of the religions of the world, this one actually delivers on that promise. It discusses in depth the various major religions, offering pictures of artifacts, religious ceremonial equipment, and illustrations of the gods/goddesses involved. I was impressed by the religious timelines, continental graphs by religious practices, and Golden Rule section that closes the book (saying to basically be respectful of others' views). This book does not endorse any of the religions, nor does it neglect any of them either. If you are shopping for an impartial, complete, detailed account of all of the world's major religions, I highly recommend this book to you. "Prejudice is the child of Ignorance." -- W. Hazlitt

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars magnificent, June 3, 2000

By 

Bruce D. Wilner "polymathic bibliophile" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: World Religions (Hardcover)

I brought this book home, tenderly spread it out on the floor, and lay there, transfixed, for about six hours until my wife yelled at me that it was time for dinner. It's been a long time since I found such a splendid, wonderful, absorbing, and gorgeous book. DK has done it again ... breathtaking pictures, clear explanations, and an inviting format. Though I'm 37, I felt the way I used to feel when I was 7 and was given a new non-fiction book. I wouldn't have the temerity to complain about the superficiality of some explanations--the book isn't intended as a scholarly treatise. For what it is supposed to do--give the reader an absorbing, respectful introduction to the major religions of the world and their trappings--I can't imagine how a better job could have been done.