The Encyclopedia of World Religions

by Robert S. Ellwood, Gregory D. Alles

"The Encyclopedia of World Religions, Revised Edition" provides young adults with reliable, unbiased 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 today; 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 current 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 new 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 movements in Christianity; Islamic fundamentalism; Modern paganism; New Age Movement; New religious movements in Africa; New religious movements in Brazil; New Testament; Politics and religion; and, UFO religions (e.g., Heaven's Gate).

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Reference

390 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1998

About the author

Robert S. Ellwood is an American academic, author and expert on world religions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_...

Reviews

[Chris Seltzer]

I know this is an encyclopedia, but it feels light on content and focuses on contemporary religions, particularly Christianity. The content feels surface-level, and far better references are available with the modern internet.

I also wish the illustrations were in color and more plentiful. The typeface is larger than it needs to be and makes the book look more substantial than it really is.

It's fine, but I wouldn't recommend picking it up; there are better alternatives for almost any desire on the subject.

[Kristine]

Read edition published in 1998.