Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 112 pages
- Published by: HarperOne
- Edition: 1st Edition December 4, 2001
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0060095571
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0060095574
-
Book Dimensions:
8 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
- Weighs: 3.2 ounces
Product Description
Originally titled
The Religions of Man, this completely revised and updated edition of Smith's masterpiece, now with an engaging new foreword, explores the essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths, including:
- Hinduism,
- Buddhism,
- Confucianism,
- Taoism,
- Islam,
- Judaism,
- Christianity,
- and the native traditions of the Americas, Australia, Africa, and Oceania.
Emphasizing the inner -- rather than institutional -- dimensions of these religions, Smith devotes special attention to Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, and the teachings of Jesus. He convincingly conveys the unique appeal and
gifts of each of the traditions and reveals their hold on the human heart and imagination.
About The Author
Huston Smith is internationally known and revered as the premier teacher of world religions and for his bestselling books
The World's Religions and
Why Religion Matters. He was the focus of a five-part PBS television series with Bill Moyers, and has taught at Washington University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Reader ReviewsAs an American Christian who diligently studied Islam, lived with Muslims abroad, and then became Muslim himself, I found this book a positive introduction to Islam for the modern, Western mind. Huston Smith has described Islam in a respectful and fair manner in a way that is difficult to find among nonMuslim authors. In my study of Islam I found that even many life long Muslim writers from outside the Western cultures are not able to describe Islam with such effectiveness. Islam is often viewed only in negative ways, or in detail of its physical forms alone. Huston Smith is able to see beyond the ignorant sterotypes and begin to express the emotional depth and value of Islam's spiritual wisdom. The book is intended as an introduction, and is exactly that. It only takes about ninety minutes to read, but sheds much light on a complex subject. Hopefully it is enough to inspire readers to learn more about Islam through even more effective and thorough channels, such as speaking with Muslims at a local mosque. The best source is always the direct source. So I thank Huston Smith, and recommend this book to all those interested in beginning to understand the true nature of Islam.
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