Books in World Religions series

Zoroastrianism, the smallest of the world's great religions, is also one of the oldest. Founded more than 3,000 years ago by the prophet Zarathustra, it flourished in ancient Persia during the time of the Persian Empire. Scholars have long acknowledged the contributions of Zoroastrianism to other faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Concepts such as the notion of one God, heaven and hell, the dualism of good and evil, a savior to come, and everlasting life can trace their roots to the religion of Zarathustra. Zoroastrianism, Third Edition traces the history and beliefs of Zoroastrianism and its followers' determination through centuries of persecution and hardship into the present day. The Iranian and Indian Zoroastrian communities in which the religion has thrived without missionary efforts or vast numbers of believers is also explored. Coverage includes:The message of the prophet ZarathustraThe sacred fireZoroastrianism throughout historyThe Zoroastrian scripture, the AvestaRituals, beliefs, and rites of passageTraditional versus updated Zoroastrianism.

Daoism is one of the great philosophical and religious traditions that grew and flowered in China. Unlike the great Western religions, Daoism has no one God or even a founding prophet. One of its central beliefs is that each person must follow his or her own path to the Dao, or "Way of Life." By being so universal and yet so personal, Daoism has exerted a significant influence on the spiritual life of many cultures both in Asia and throughout the world. Daoism, Third Edition traces the progress of Daoist thought, from the great Daodejing, or "The Book of the Way and Its Power" by Laozi, to the contemporary Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra. This revised edition also examines the restoration of Daoism under China's religious freedom clause, the slow rebirth of Daoist monasticism, renewed interest in Daoism in China and abroad, and the impact of tourism on the monastic tradition.Coverage includes:Meditation and the concept of wuweiDaoism, Confucianism, and BuddhismThe growth and spread of religious DaoismArt and literature within DaoismPolitical turbulence in the 20th century.

Six studies of six faiths.The World Religions series explores the major religions of our world today. Focusing on the six main religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism, each title looks first at one person's experience, and then examines the facts, arguments and opinions from around the globe. Special debate panels, supported by a wealth of resource material, invite the reader to discuss the issues that are currently shaping our world. Young readers will learn about their own faiths and will receive answers to important questions such as: What is Jewish Law? What is enlightenment? Do Sikhs believe in an afterlife? Should we question the truth of religious books such as the Bible? What does the Hindu way of life aim for? These questions and many more are explored in detail, providing readers with a glossary and resource guide for further reading. Written by educators, these books are well researched, carefully written, and are credible resources for young students. Parents will appreciate the open and sensitive treatment of each religion. The World Religions series is an important contribution to helping increase cultural awareness and promote tolerance.

The youngest of the world religions, the Baha'i faith is also one of the fastest growing, increasing from 200,000 followers worldwide in 1950 to more than five million members today. Founded in 1863, this religion's essential belief centers on the unity of all religions and the abolition of racial, class, and religious prejudices. Baha'i Faith, Third Edition explores all aspects of the Baha'i faith, from the original teachings of its founder, Baha'u'llah, to the modern-day communities that exist in 236 countries and territories throughout the world.Coverage includes:Al-Kitab al-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book of Baha'u'llah)The roots and spread of the Baha'i faithBeliefs and teachingsWorship and rites of passageThe future of the Baha'i faith.