"A revealing comparison of the faiths that shape the lives of millions"--Cover

Opening up to other traditions. Why learn about other faiths? ; Lots of different names, some familiar ideas ; Speaking softly and dropping the stick -- Judaism. The roots of Judaism ; Modern Jewish experience ; Jewish ritual and celebration ; Breaking down barriers to Judaism -- Christianity. Christian beginnings ; The many Christian denominations ; Christian celebration ; Breaking down barriers to Christianity -- Islam. The early history of Islam ; After Muhammad ; Ramadan and other observances ; Breaking down barriers to Islam -- Hinduism. That old time religion ; God's many faces ; Respect for life and personal growth ; Breaking down barriers to Hinduism -- Buddhism. Buddhist origins and doctrine ; Buddhism after Buddha ; Zen and other Buddhist schools popular in the West ; Breaking down barriers to Buddhism -- Other influential traditions. Confucianism : human relations 101 ; Taoism : the effortless path ; Shinto : harmony and clarity ; Sikhism : pursuing the path of god -- Old paths, new paths. Ancient creeds ; Nonscriptural nature religions ; Mystic voices ; New religious movements -- A matter of life and death. The afterlife ; Other big questions ; Religious extremism in the Twenty-first century ; All down in black and white -- Appendixes. A, Fellow travelers ; B, Scriptures to keep you company ; C, Timelines of major world religions ; D, The names of God

Presents an overview of the world's major religions, and answers questions about the history, rituals, celebrations, structure, holy documents, and deities of major and lesser-known religions