Handbook of World Religions

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (11/08) Have you ever wanted to have more information about the religions around the world? Just where do the Mormons, Muslims or Buddhists stand on the matter of who Jesus was and the certainty of heaven and hell and salvation? If you are looking for a book which briefly discusses fifty world beliefs which cuts right to the point, look no further than the "Handbook of World Religions." There is a brief history of the founding of each of these religions. There are many charts with side-by-side comparisons of that religion with Christianity. There is no need to think that you will be overloaded with information; it gives a brief synopsis of what specific dates and beliefs are involved with a particular religion. There is no lengthy history to wade through looking for just the information you seek, with about four pages devoted to each of the fifty faiths. There are plenty of color photographs of places which the faith holds sacred, as well as what kinds of things are required of the people in that faith. I have found this book to be invaluable in how to address different statements when dealing with those with a different faith than my own. This is a perfect book for those who want the general information presented a precise manner. I wish I would have had a book like this when I was in college; perhaps it would have made it easier to share my faith with others because I would already have had the basis of what their faith involves. Anyone with an interest in other faiths and what is making them so popular would benefit from this wonderful literary work of art by Len Woods. I can see that "Handbook of World Religions" will be a valued part of my own library

I admit that I have always been fascinated about other religions. Their beliefs, practices, and histories are all so different. Woods writes of the history, views on salvation and the afterlife, the nature of God, the sacred texts, and etc... of 50 world religions. Some of the religions explained are: Universism Scientology Islam Christian Science Kabbalah Taoism Wicca Vodou (Voodoo) Judaism The information is given in a simple and fair manner. This would make a great resource for a student of religion, sociology, or history. I just hope that Wood makes a similar book of Christian denominations.