The Rivers of Paradise: Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, and Muhammad as Religious Founders

by David Noel Freedman (Editor), Mr. Michael J. McClymond (Series Editor)

A fascinating look at the founders of the world's main religions. The major religious traditions of the world owe their existence to the vision of an ancient founder. This important volume explores the lives of the five founders of major world religions-Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, and Muhammad-chronicling what is actually known of these charismatic men and introducing readers to the cultural and religious worlds that heard their messages. Readers in predominantly Christian lands, in addition to learning about the lives of Confucius, Buddha, and Muhammad- whom they might not be familiar with- will also be introduced to modern research now casting fresh light on the careers of Moses and Jesus. Whether studied individually or in comparison with one another, these biographies, together with a chapter on the characteristics of religious leadership, chart the spiritual rivers that continue to feed the diversity of religious expression today.

Genres: Religion

716 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

Son of David Freedman

Reviews

[Trevor Schaefer]

I have only read the chapter on Muhammad by Daniel Peterson, which was interesting and informative.

[Eric Nelson]

A readable, but scholarly and detailed, introduction to the leaders of five of the major religious traditions. Good for cultural background and impact of these men.