An Anthology of Living Religions

by Mary Pat Fisher (Editor), Lee Worth Bailey (Editor)

This anthology provides each of the major world religions with an opportunity to explain itself in its own terms, creating a sensitive and accurate picture of its teachings and beliefs. It allows readers to gain an “inside” understanding of origins, founders, and practices–and presents the religions as living faiths. Selected extracts relate religion to such current issues as gender, environment, and politics. Chapters explore indigenous sacred ways, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and more. For individuals desiring to learn more about the major world religions, and their impact around the world today.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Textbooks

380 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1999

About the author

Mary Pat Fisher is an author, her books include the inspirational book Heart of Gold: The Light Within Life and Living religions : an encyclopedia of the world's faiths. Fisher lives in the Gobind Sadan a interfaith community in India, founded by Baba Virsa Singh.

Reviews

[Dan Graser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine anthology of nearly every current religion and a wonderful source for a survey course on the subject. There is nothing particularly groundbreaking in the commentary but the focus on religions as not merely a set of codified beliefs but on the influence they have on human day-to-day life makes this far more interesting than some other anthologies. Recommended for those teaching the subject and perhaps those with a passing interest in the subject who haven't yet delved deeply into the extended writings that are sampled here.

[Katy Lohman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to many religions. Could have easily expanded the indigenous faiths section. I would have liked to learn more about the various Native American and African faiths, as well as the varieties of paganism. I don't like when all of Africa is lumped together, or the Americas; there is so much variety in each continent! But good for learning about the more mainstream religions.

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my religion class. Most not all. I found it extremely helpful for the introductory class and felt it offered the instructor options to assist their class. Ours was a 4 week course two hours a day where we virtually received five lectures in two and a half days before the test. The book readings assigned and additional options it left allowed me to get an A in the course. He also assigned a minimum of 4 articles for each religion so there was a lot to retain.