Summary
Praise for the previous edition:
"...unbiased and succinct...this is a fine ready-reference."—School Library Journal
"...an invaluable tool for any middle school or high school library...Highly recommended."—The Book Report
The Encyclopedia of World Religions, Revised Edition provides young adults with reliable, unbiased, and easy-to-use information on the world's religions, from ancient times to the present day. In about 600 entries—with 115 new to this edition—this revised edition covers all the major and minor religions of the world, including the religions of the ancient world; the major religions practiced around the world; religions of contemporary indigenous peoples; definitions of religious symbols and ideas; key leaders and thinkers; and terms and definitions.
The new entries and photographs broaden the encyclopedia’s representation of world events and the impact of those events on the world’s religions. The book also covers religious fundamentalism—especially within Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism—and documents the burgeoning religious movements in Latin America, Africa, East Asia, and the United States. All major entries now come with suggestions for further reading.
New entries include:
- Al-Qaeda
- Apocrypha
- Biblical prophets
- Christianity fundamentalism
- Christianity in Latin America, Asia, and Africa
- Fundamentalism (general)
- Hamas
- Hebrew scriptures
- Hindu fundamentalism
- Independent Christianity
- Islamic fundamentalism
- Modern paganism
- New Age movement
- New religious movements in Africa
- New religious movements in Brazil
- New Testament
- Politics and religion
- UFO religions (e.g., Heaven’s Gate).
Specifications
Black-and-white photographs. Maps, icons, and charts. Index. Selected bibliography. Further reading.
About the Author(s)
Robert S. Ellwood, General Editor, is emeritus professor of religions at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He is the author of numerous articles and books on religion, including Religious and Spiritual Groups in Modern America, Japanese Religion: A Cultural Perspective, and 1950: Crossroads of American Religious Life.
Gregory D. Alles, Associate Editor, is associate professor of religious studies at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.