A world of faith [Hardcover]

Peggy Fletcher Stack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1998

Introduces the origins and traditions of twenty-eight religious groups, including the Amish, Baptists, and Buddhists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In the process of trying to explain the specifics of what makes the Mormon faith different from other Christian religions to her 7-year-old son, Peggy Fletcher Stack found a void of clear, accurate information about the world's faiths presented in a manner children can understand. So, having a deep interest in religion herself (Stack studied at the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley and covers Religion for the Salt Lake Tribune), she bit off what turned out to be a lot to chew: writing a book that not only explains the roots and basic beliefs and practices of 28 different religions in terms a child can understand, but that does so with an accuracy that, with painstaking editing, satisfies the clergy of each of the faiths represented. (That is saying something!) In my opinion, this book belongs in every home where there are curious, informed people. Both adults and children will find facts here that will answer many of the vague unknowns and right many of the misunderstandings most of us have about various religions. To the child, it is an unusually lucid and understandable glimpse, if not awakening, into those paths that bring so very many people the world over to a relationship with their God. A wonderful preface explains why the religions chosen to discuss were selected. Hopis, for instance, were chosen to convey the sense of all Native American paths, although there are indeed wide differences among the more than 500 traditions. On the other hand, the book includes Yorubas to represent all African tribal religions, of which there are hundreds. And because America's religious palette is colored so strongly by Christianity, more Christian variations are described than other religions. "Indeed," reads the preface, "an American child is more likely to meet a Presbyterian than a Zoroastrian." The illustrations contribute immensely to the value of A WORLD OF FAITH. Resembling panes of stained glass, each painting contains significant symbols or images important to that faith. These, combined with a very readable, understandable text, make for an experience that is one-of-a-kind for introducing children to other people's religious beliefs. An important and deeply satisfying book! (7-12 yrs. And younger, if there is interest.) --Chinaberry Books --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

Greetings from the Interfaith Roundtable of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee

As we prepare to help welcome the world to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, we see an opportunity to increase appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the global human family. Olympic competition brings together people from diverse nations, races and religions. It is a time to celebrate the excellence of the human spirit through its physical manifestations. It is a time of international truce, when people put aside their differences and celebrate the victories of individual striving.

Given the horrific tragedies of September 11, 2001, in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., the subsequent blame and persecution of people of Middle Eastern descent and of the Muslim faith, and the ensuing battles overseas, we feel the message of faith and unity is ever more urgent. Indeed, one potentially divisive issue that has emerged in the 2002 Olympics is that of religion. Some have called these "the Mormon Olympics." It is true that Salt Lake City was founded by Mormons escaping religious persecution, and the city remains the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. However, it is a city where, in the year 2001, about 50 percent of the population is not of that faith.

As a sub-committee of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, we have felt a need to acknowledge both the predominant religion of Utah and the many other faiths not only here but around the globe that will be come together for this moment and that otherwise enrich our world culture. Representatives of all faiths were invited to form our roundtable in 1998. Since that time, we have worked together to develop a mission statement and to carry out the goals we set for ourselves. In doing so, we have grown closer as a community in bringing to fruition our objectives. The following are some of our accomplishments.

We invited the community to participate in what we hope to be an annual event of music and blessing called "An Interfaith Tribute to the Human Spirit." We prepared a directory of faith communities and activities during the Olympics to be made available at the airport, hotels, and information booths throughout the city. We have helped arrange for more than 700 host homes for athletes’ families. Together with other groups, we renovated the Fort Douglas Post Chapel, the second oldest military chapel in the nation, built in 1883, as an Interfaith Chapel and center for the Athletes Village on the University of Utah campus. We hope it will remain a permanent fixture of Utah’s pluralistic community long into the future.

With this book, the Interfaith Roundtable hopes to leave another legacy to the world community: increased understanding, appreciation, and respect for the all the world’s religious traditions. The beautiful illustrations and text, as well as the book’s emphasis on the Golden Rule found in all religions, gives a glimpse of the beauty and goodness of the world’s faith communities and should spark a greater desire in readers to pursue more knowledge of world religious and cultural diversity.

The Olympics is a time for those participating to experience the global community in a time of peace. We hope this book will provide the reader with an increased knowledge that will in turn help in building a stronger, more peace-filled society. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 55 pages
• Publisher: Signature Books (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560851163
• ISBN-13: 978-1560851165
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #940,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully illustrated overview of world religions, February 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A world of faith (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful way to introduce children and even adults to a wide array of world religions. (My husband confessed that he had not heard of a couple of the religions included in the book, so it was educational for our whole family!) While obviously not intended as an encyclopedic treatise on each religion, the book provides an overview of history and teachings that ideally will pique the reader's curiosity. And the illustrations, which incorporate symbols from each faith tradition, are a delight.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book to Share, February 22, 2000

By 

Chris W. Kite (Cornelius NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A world of faith (Hardcover)

The Chicago area has a wonderful diversity of cultures and faiths. I have enjoyed sharing this book with people of many different faiths, children and adults. This book is endorsed by a wide range of religious leaders and organizations (see author's notes).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a wonderful world, January 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A World of Faith (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book to teach children and adults (!) the BASIC origin & beliefs of many religions throughout the world. The illustrations are beautiful! The text on each page isn't too long which helps in keeping the interest of children. The religions are listed alphabetically with a picture on the left hand side and about 1/2 page of text on the right. It is quite pricey, and although I was given a copy of the book, I would recommend purchasing it. (I was planning on buying it.) It's hard to put a price on spiritual knowledge. In a world FULL of diversity, it is essential to educate ourselves and our children as to the differences and similarities of people throughout the world (and in our own country). Education & knowledge bridge the gap of discrimination.