Includes bibliographical references and index

This third edition contains new and upgraded pedagogic features, including chapter summaries, key terms and definitions, and questions for reflection and discussion. The first part of the book considers the history and modern practices of the main religious traditions of the world, while the second analyzes trends from secularization to the rise of new spiritualities. Comprehensive and fully international in coverage, it is accessibly written by practicing and specialist teachers.

Contents:

How to study religion / Kim Knott --Hinduism / David Smith --Buddhism / Cathy Cantwell and Hiroko Kawanami --Sikhism / Gurinder Singh Mann --Chinese religions / Stephan Feuchtwang --Judaism / Seth Kunin --Christianity / Linda Woodhead --Islam / Anna Bigelow --Religion in Africa / Mark Faulkner --Native American religions / Kenneth Mello amd Suzanne Owen --Spirituality / Giselle Vincett and Linda Woodhead --Paganism / Graham Harvey --Contemporary esotericism / Kennet Granholm --New religious movements / Douglas E. Cowan --Religion, globalization, and migration / Manuel Va�squez --Religion and politics / Paul Djupe --Religion and violence / Ian Reader --Religion and gender / Linda Woodhead --Religion and popular culture / Christopher Partridge --Secularism and secularization / Grace Davie, Rebecca Catto, and Linda Woodhead.