Asian Religions: A Cultural Perspective

by Randall L. Nadeau

This lively introduction offers a complete overview of the main Asian religions, their traditions and contemporary relevance, and how they are lived and practiced today.Provides readers with an all-embracing introduction to Asian religions, covering each of the main traditions in a style that is lively and distinctiveFocuses on Asian religions as lived and practiced by real people, leading readers to a deeper understanding of Asian spiritualities and traditions, and their contemporary relevanceUses exercises, activities, and an appealing mixture of examples, such as novels, throughout the book, to both inform and engage readersEmploys a comparative approach, highlighting the contrasts between Asian and Western modes of thinking and livingDebates the influence of religion on real-world issues including work, economic growth, the environment, human rights, and gender relationsWritten by an acclaimed scholar in this field, who is able to draw on his remarkable knowledge across all relevant religious traditions

Genres: Religion, Philosophy, Asia

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2013

About the author

Randall Laird Nadeau, Ph.D.

Randall Nadeau received his Master's Degree in Religion from Princeton University (1980) and his Ph.D. in Asian Studies specializing in Chinese Religions from the University of British Columbia (1990), under the direction of Daniel Overmyer. He has published research on popular religious literature, deity cults, and folk religion in both China and Japan, as well as methodology in the study of religion, especially Buddhism and popular religious movements.

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent survey of Asian and Eastern religions. While there isn't room to go into extreme depth on any, it does provide a great introduction to the basic tenets, history and beliefs held by a wide range of non-Christian/non-Western religions. This was the textbook for a course in Indian/Chinese Philosophy. It is written in a very readable tone and is easy to follow.

[Caleb McCary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful book but the personal commentary from the author is often distracting.

[Capri · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice to learn about things

[Will Connelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a textbook covering numerous Asian Religions (Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, etc.) Excellent resource for students. Nadeau elucidates each religion without making it burdensome. If you are a teacher of Asian Religions, this should be your go to textbook.