Bøger af Ninian Smart

A world-renowned religion scholar explores the world's major religions and comparable secular systems of thought in this unusually wide-ranging and accessible work. Ninian Smart considers Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, as well as Marxist-Leninism, Maoism, nationalism, and Native American, African, and other systems of belief. His goal is to advance our understanding of how we as human beings interact thoughtfully with the cosmos and express the exigencies of our own nature and existence.Smart demonstrates that diverse systems of belief reflect several recurring themes: the tendency to worship, the contemplative life, story-telling, a view of history, ethical instruction, guidelines on bodily practices, rituals, and visual icons. He examines each of these themes in relation to specific belief systems. He points out that religions and comparable worldviews should be studied at least as much through their practices as through their beliefs.The result of twenty-five years of research, this comprehensive book is nothing less than an analysis of the entire pattern of human spiritual life, viewed through what Smart calls "the grammar of symbols, the modes and forms in which religion manifests itself."

Offers an introduction to many of the world's major philosophical and religious traditions. This work offers a global philosophical and religious picture.

The author discusses rebirth and salvation, mysticism, the worship of God, Buddhism, incarnation and history, and evil and good.

This book offers a balanced, wide-ranging, and realistic approach to the full range of worldviews.

In this richly illustrated new edition, religions are described through their symbols, rituals, followers and art. References, maps and pictures have been updated and the text thoroughly revised to highlight recent developments, e.g. Islam's spread, African-American religious experience, and women priests.