The Story of World Religions

by Denise Lardner Carmody, John Tully Carmody

In all times and places the religious message has been expressed in story form. This book introduces the religions of the world through the narratives, tales, and myths by which believers have lived their lives. Looking at both literate and nonliterate traditions, we explore the narratives, great and small, that have offered meaning and guidance to the peoples of the world. The great narratives, in our view, are the scriptures or central myths that the traditions have begotten. The small narratives are the scenarios from individual lives, famous or obscure, that show particular Eskimos and Buddhists, Christians and Jews, living out their faith. The result, we hope is an introduction that brings the student close to the main ways the adherents of the world religions have understood themselves and their times.

528 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1988