Founders of Faith: The Buddha by Michael Carrithers; Confucius by Raymond Dawson; Jesus by Humphrey Carpenter; Muhammad by Michael Cook

by Michael Carrithers, Raymond Dawson, Humphrey Carpenter

The Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, and Muhammad each founded a system of thought which in its own way has shaped the lives and thinking of countless generations across the world. This unique volume presents four self-contained studies of the founders of the world's greatest religious traditions. Originally written for the Past Masters series, these authoritative studies provide a unique guide to some of the most influential ideas in human history. Each of the contributors explores the distinctive features of the particular religious tradition and reveals why it has had such a profound and lasting influence on the way people think today. Founders of Faith provides new insights into the different ways in which men and women in both the East and West have sought to make sense of some of the most intractable problems of human existence.

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 1990

About the author

Michael B. Carrithers is a professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Durham, and a member of its Behaviour, Ecology, and Evolution Research Centre.

Reviews

[Rodeweeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different view of the founders of some of the greatest religions in the world today. Very academic, so if you're theologically attached to one or more of the founders then expect to feel insulted. Nevertheless, it is extremely interesting and definitely help to reach a deeper understanding of the circumstances under which these people worked