Religious beliefs have shaped the history of the world. Their effect can be seen in culture, philosophy and politics, and they have inspired people to serve others and to create great works of art, architecture and music. Yet differences in belief can cause bloodshed and war. Never before has it been more urgent to understand the great religions if we are to make sense of our 21st century world, its achievements and its conflicts. This new, revised edition of Beliefs That Changed the World tells the story of the major faiths from their earliest beginnings to their present day impact.

Who or what is God? How do different religions interpret God's existence? How can we know God? Many people believe in God; not just throughout history but also in the present day. But who or what is it they believe in? Many different and sometimes conflicting answers have been suggested to this question. This Very Short Introduction explores some of the answers provided by philosophers, poets, and theologians, and considers why some people believe in God and others do not. John Bowker explores how the major religions established their own distinctive beliefs about God and how they interpret God's existence, and concludes by looking at how our understanding of God continues to evolve. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

John Bowker demonstrates why we need to examine both negative and positive aspects of religion to understand religion in the modern world.

Grand in its sweep, this survey of the sacred writings of the major religions of the world offers a thoughtful introduction to the ideas and beliefs upon which great faiths are built. Under the expert guidance of John Bowker, a religious scholar and author of international stature, readers explore the key texts of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The author discusses some 400 books, among them such well-known sacred texts as the Bible and the Quran, but also spiritual writings by theologians, philosophers, poets, and others. Bowker provides clear and illuminating commentary on each text, describing the content and core tenets of the work and quoting pertinent passages. He also sets the writings in religious and historical contexts, showing how they have influenced—and in many cases continue to influence—artistic, musical, literary, and political traditions. The Message and the Book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the meaning and the deep significance of primary religious texts of civilizations around the globe.

Baffled by Buddhism? Confused by Catholicism? Mystified by Mysticism? World Religions can lift the cloud surrounding the main faiths of the world. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and many more key faiths are explained clearly with beautifully annotations and full colour illustrations. Providing detailed insight into the key practices, figures and images of each religion, this is perfect for those beginning their exploration into faith, or for those just needing a quick reference tool. World Religions details the beliefs from modern Scientology to the world's oldest faith- Zoroastrianism - and everything in between.

Not just in words, but in art, dance, music and silence -- this book is the perfect overview for viewing divinity from every perspective. The history of God cannot possibly be told. How can you write the history of One who is outside time and space, and who has no beginning and no end? Nevertheless, the desire to understand and experience the divine is a fundamental human need. For billions of people, through many millennia, the quest to answer the basic questions of existence -- Why are we born? What will happen to us when we die? and how should we live out lives? -- has become a search for God. A Brief History of God explores the myriad ways in which humans have sought connection to the divine from the dawn of history to the present -- not just through religion and philosophy, but in art and literature, in music and dance, and in science.

This is a detailed and fully illustrated companion to the bible with photos, sculptures, and archeological sites that reveal information about life in biblical times.

Internationally renowned author and professor John Bowker leads a team of experts in providing the perfect way to explore the Bible. Photographs of paintings, sculptures, and ancient archaeological sites reveal fascinating information about life in biblical times, including festivals, fashions, and customs. 1,500+ illustrations.

Learn everything you need to know about the central practices, important figures, and key teachings of many different religions. Each of the major faiths - including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam - is examined in detail through its sacred texts, epic imagery, key beliefs and religious artefacts. Entries also explore other faiths from Zoroastrianism - the oldest "living" religion - to the alternative beliefs of the modern era - all of which are set into the context of the political, social, and cultural climates from which they emerged. Compelling and accessible, World Religions is the perfect guide for students of religious study, or anyone interested in the ideas of ancient and present day faiths and religious philosophies.

The interviewees in this bestselling book provide thought-provoking commentary on a wide range of issues, from the interpretation of the Qur’an and the nature of Islamic law to the role of women and the concept of holy war.