World Religions: A Beginner's Guide Questions and Answers for Humanity's 7 Oldest and Largest Faiths

by Jill Carroll

Your guide to understanding seven of the world’s most prominent religions

If you’re interested in learning about world religions, this book is the place to start. Packed with informative fact sheets and answers to common questions, this beginner’s guide fills you in on the most important aspects of each religion. You’ll learn about fascinating histories, rituals, and festivals as you grow to better understand the belief systems that offer meaning and purpose to billions of people around the globe.

This beginner’s guide to major world religions

Seven world religions—Discover the basic tenets and practices of Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Shikhism.Digestible snapshots—Learn key dates, major sects, primary texts, the most recognizable symbols, and everyday practices at a glance. A Q&A format—By presenting facts through questions and answers, this book uses a conversational tone that makes information easier to understand and remember.

Build your knowledge of world religions with this beginner’s guide.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[Jim Gallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“World Religions” provides introductions to seven major religions: Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. Although necessarily superficial, it did improve my understanding of those denominations with which I was least familiar.

Each chapter contains a brief introduction, a “Cheat Sheet” of basic facts, Key Dates, Important Feasts, authoritative texts, sects within the religion, its relationship to other religions, geographic locations and fundamental beliefs, among others.

To test for credibility, I “fact checked” my religion, Christianity. I found it to be an accurate and non-judgmental .

The subtitle is “A Beginner’s Guide” and that is what it is. It is of greatest value with respect to religions about which the reader knows little or nothing. I learned things, particularly about the Eastern religions that helps me to understand them and their places in the world. For that it is a worthwhile read.

[Thajudheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books picks seven of world's most impactful religions and gives an overview of each. The bulk of the material is organized as a series of questions and answers on each religion. Supplementing material includes some statistics, a calendar of the most important days for each religion, and a brief comparison with the other religions being discussed - how they are alike and how they differ.

I found this to be clearly written and extremely easy to follow along. While the overview is limited in depth, it still offers a good introduction to each religion. I also found some points of comparison to be very interesting, such as how Buddhism is inspired by the cyclical nature of life in Hinduism, but also believes in the impermanence of self (Hinduism believes the self to be permanent). A very informative read.

[F. Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting in the sense of comparative religions, but I understand that it has to remain neutral in the beliefs and history. My mom, God rest her soul was a firm Christian lady but was afraid to know anything about any other religions. I feel that, also as a Christian to effectively witness and explain our beliefs to those of a non Judeo Christian denomination we need to understand what their views and beliefs are. Even within our Judeo Christian denominations there are differences interpretations.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely provides brief overviews and not in-depth descriptions of the seven most prominent religions in the world. But considering I knew virtually nothing about 4 of the 7 religions covered, it was very useful and interesting to me.

Also, it was free from Audible, so what's not to like!

[Adriana Díaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

its so basic or beginner friendly that I felt like I already knew Majority of the things being explained. needed something a bit more in depth. a good book for those with 0 knowledge of these religions.

[Madalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing intro

I am interested in world religion and want to find one that resonates with me. This book gives a nice review of common religions practices, beliefs and history.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and easy read. Gives a brief overview of the 7 oldest largest religions. I liked how it compared each one to the other and that I learned something about each one.

[layla · Rating 1 out of 5]

school ew

[Cassie Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

World Religions: A Beginner’s Guide is a good introduction to the biggest and most widespread religions around the world. There is not really any major biases encouraging one religion or another, and it gives succinct descriptions of core beliefs, practices, and holidays, if you’re a person who is just beginning to seek for truth, this is an excellent resource that is easy to read and understand.