Books in World Religions series

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.

Buddhism began in India 2,500 years ago and later spread throughout the world. Buddhists do not recognize an all powerful god, but rather follow the teachings of the Buddha, a man, to find peace and contentment. Today courageous Buddhist monks are respected around the globe as moral leaders. Learn more about the rich history and traditions of Buddhism and how the religion fits into today’s world in Buddhism, part of the World Religions series.

Long dismissed as irrelevant by communist China, Confucianism is experiencing a new resurgence in China and around the globe. So-called New Confucianists seek to find a unity between their religion and the modern world, rejecting any form of cultural isolationism. Founded in China 2,500 years ago by a master philosopher, Confucianism was a system of ethical behavior and social responsibility that evolved into one of the great spiritual traditions of the East. It has played a profoundly important role in the evolution of Chinese civilization over the centuries and has had a marked influence on other Asian cultures including those of Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Confucianism, Third Edition clearly outlines the historical development of Confucianism, presents the basic tenets of Confucian thought, traces its evolution in response to the events of Chinese history, and examines its enduring relevance to the contemporary world.Coverage includes:Basic concepts and beliefs of ConfucianismThe teachings of ConfuciusConfucian literature, including The Five ClassicsThe effects of political interference from China, Europe, and the United StatesRestoration of Confucianism in the 21st century.

One of the world's youngest religions, Sikhism was founded about 500 years ago in northern India. The Sikhs believe in the Ultimate Reality as a formless force that is above all things and yet present in them at the same time. They reject all distinctions based on social class and race and emphasize the importance of service to both community and family. In the 21st century, Sikhism faces new challenges and a geographical reach spanning the globe. In India, where Manmohan Singh became the first minority prime minister in 2004, Sikhs are still working to gain greater political independence. In the West, the faith is attempting to adapt to a new culture while also sharing its universal teachings. Sikhism, Third Edition describes the basic tenets of Sikhism, tells the engaging story of its growth in India, examines the recent move toward greater political independence within the Indian nation, the effects of Hindu nationalism on the Sikh community, and issues of cultural adaptation, persecution, and subsequent education now taking place in the West.Coverage includes:The belief in the Supreme Ultimate RealitySikh ethicsThe Five K'sGuru Nanak and the Origins of the Sikh FaithThe Guru Granth, Sikhism's sacred text.

The religion of Islam traces it beginnings to the 600s in what is present day Saudi Arabia. The angel Gabriel was said to have visited the prophet Muhammad, who then shared the word of Allah, or God, with the people. Today Islam has more than a billion followers. Learn more about the rich history and traditions of Islam and how the religion fits into today’s world in Islam, part of the World Religions series.