Religion in the Twenty-First Century

Religions of the World

by Mary Pat Fisher, Ninian Smart

Religion in the Twenty-first Century is a unique and informative survey of the global religious situation as we enter the new millennium. Through a thematic and people-oriented approach, this book provides a valuable introduction to a variety of new religious movements—whether offshoots of traditional religions of founded as a result of millennial expectations or charismatic leaders. It also considers the role of the Interfaith Movement and the ways in which modern technology is spreading religions both new and old. KEY Provides valuable pedagogy, timeline; maps; glossary; list of sacred days/festivals; suggested reading; pronunciation guide; index; feature boxes focusing on some aspects of the arts; 11 black and white pictures and artworks. Readers interested in learning more about the world's religions.

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 1998

About the author

Mary Pat Fisher is an author, her books include the inspirational book Heart of Gold: The Light Within Life and Living religions : an encyclopedia of the world's faiths. Fisher lives in the Gobind Sadan a interfaith community in India, founded by Baba Virsa Singh.

Reviews

[Steve Wiggins]

This book caught my attention when I was working with Routledge. A quick read, it originates, I think, as a fascicle from a larger world religion's textbook. It reads kind of like a textbook. Fisher ably covers both modern examples of ancient religions (not comprehensively, of course) and New Religious Movements in this little book. It seems a bit dated since she does comment a little on technology. Things change so quickly that it may be difficult for any such book to stay up-to-date.

Fisher shines brightest when discussing how New Religions continue the function of their ancient forebears. Neutral, sensible, and readable, this brief introduction does it job well.

I wrote a little more on it here: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.