Revealing the significance of religion in the contemporary world, this unique and in-depth introduction explores seven major religious traditions as dynamic, ongoing forces in the lives of individuals and in the collective experience of modern societies. Written by three highly respected scholars, it covers Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, East Asian Religions, and new religious movements. Taking a fresh approach, it uses historical coverage of the religious traditions as a framework to help students understand how faiths have evolved to the present day and continue to have an impact on belief, politics, and society. The book connects today's religions to their classical beliefs and practices but also shows how they have been transformed by globalization and by their contact with one another.
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[Table of Contents]
Each chapter begins with an Overview and concludes with Discussion Questions, Key Terms, Suggested Readings, and Notes. Chapters 2-7 end with a Conclusion. Preface 1. Introduction Religion and Globalization Understanding Religious Experience and Its Expressions The Great Religious Stories of the World Modernization in Global Perspective Modern Colonialism, the Socialist Challenge, and the End of Modernity Postmodern Trends in a Postcolonial World 2. Christianity and the Road to Modernity Encounter with Modernity: The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy Premodern Christianity: The Formative Era Premodern Christianity: The Classical Era Christianity and Modernity Christianity and Postmodern Trends in a Postcolonial World 3. The Many Faces of Judaism: Sacred and Secular Encounter with Modernity: Modern Judaisms and the Challenge of Ultra-Orthodoxy Premodern Judaism: The Formative Era--Biblical Origins Premodern Judaism: The Formative Era--From Torah to Talmud Premodern Judaism: The Classical Era Judaism and Modernity Judaism and Postmodern Trends in a Postcolonial World 4. The Globalization of Islam and Muslims Encounter with Modernity: The Challenge of Western Colonialism Premodern Islam: The Formative Era Premodern Islam: The Classical Era Islam and Modernity Islam and Postmodern Trends in a Postcolonial World Islam: Postmodern Challenges 5. Hinduism: Myriad Paths to Salvation Encounter with Modernity: Hindu Challenges to India as a Secular State Premodern Hinduism: The Formative Era Premodern Hinduism: The Classical Era Premodern Hinduism: The Postclassical Era Hinduism and Modernity Hinduism and Postmodern Trends in a Postcolonial World 6. Buddhism: Ways to Nirvana Encounter with Modernity: Socially Engaged Buddhism Premodern Buddhism: The Formative Era Premodern Buddhism: The Classical Era Premodern Buddhism: Buddhist Expansion Buddhism and Modernity Buddhism and Postmodern Trends in a Postcolonial World 7. East Asian Religions: Traditions of Human Cultivation and Natural Harmony Encounter with Modernity: Postcolonial Confucian Economics East Asian Religions in the Premodern Era East Asian Religions and Modernity East Asian Religions and Postmodern Trends in a Postcolonial World 8. Globalization: From New to New Age Religions New Religions New Age Religions Religious Postmodernism and Global Ethics Glossary Time Lines Index