The Power of Religion: A Comparative Introduction

by Amanda Porterfield

The Power of Religion is an engaging introduction to six religious traditions--Native American religions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism--which recognizes the diversity of religious belief and offers both comparative and historical analysis. Genuinely accessible to undergraduates and general readers, it shows how various forms of these traditions are lived out in practice, experience, and community, presenting religions as conceivable ways of living and demonstrating how religious beliefs are integrally related to other aspects of life. Many chapters open with a description of a particular religious event or act that one might encounter today in the United States, where virtually all of the world's religions are now being practiced. The author discusses several of the historical developments each religion has undergone and considers how each of the religions has changed in response to the climate of religious exchange and religious pluralism that exists in
the United States today. The Power of Religion helps readers to understand the vitality and plausibility of religious belief, to draw comparisons between religions, and to reflect on the nature of religion and its role in society. It is ideal for courses in introduction to religion, world religions, and comparative religion, and will also appeal to general readers interested in religion.

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Amanda Porterfield is the Robert A. Spivey Professor of Religion and History at Florida State University. She is the author of several books in American religious history and the history of Christianity, including Corporate Spirit: Religion's Role in the Long History Behind Corporate America.

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my Spirituality class. We read a chapter a week and wrote reflections on them. Each chapter starts with a fictional story about someone in a particular religion. This leads into Porterfield explaining the religion itself.