Rethinking Religion

Table Of Contents
Preface
Introduction
SECTION ONE. STARTING POINTS
1. Why Study Religion?
2. What Is Religion?
3. Religious Symbols
SECTION TWO. THIRTY EXAMPLES
4. Hinduism
5. Buddhism
6. Judaism
7. Christianity
8. Islam
9. Primal Religions
SECTION THREE. COMPLEXITIES, LIMITS, ETHICS
10. Change In Symbolic Systems Over Time
11. Further Complexities Of Analysis
12. The Limits Of Analysis
13. The Ethics Of Analysis
SECTION FOUR. COMPARISON AND EVALUATION
14. The Comparison Of Religions
15. The Evaluation Of Religion
16. The Evaluation Of Religions Conclusion Postscript: Science And Religions Notes Analytical Glossary Of Religious Terms
Suggestions For Further Reading
Index

Additional Info
Description
The overwhelming majority of people in the world–85%–are religious, and more religions are now practiced in the United States than in any other country. Religion plays a critical role in international politics, in the global economy, and in a wide variety of social and cultural interactions on the domestic front. Even though religion is such an integral part of today’s world, many Americans have difficulty discussing it publicly. They are often unfamiliar with any religion but their own, finding other religions mysterious or even threatening.
Offering a brief and accessible point of entry into the subject, Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction begins by highlighting the significance of religion in modern society and providing a simple definition that goes beyond vague notions of “faith” or “belief in God.” Drawing material from a diverse range of religions–including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and primal religions–author Will Deming walks readers through thirty examples of how religions “work,” exploring the significance of religious events and pronouncements. He also considers several topics that continue to fascinate and challenge Westerners: the ethics of studying someone else’s religion, the “truth” of religion, the possibilities for preferring one religion over another, religious pluralism, and the contentious dialogue between science and religion.
Enhanced by an innovative glossary of religious terms and numerous pictures and analyses of everyday religious activities, Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction is ideal for introducing students to the concept of religion and for courses in comparative and world religions. It is also captivating reading for theologians, scholars, and anyone interested in the topic.