Introducing World Religions: A Christian Engagement Paperback – February 16, 2021

Wonderful book. As a teacher of world religions for 25 years this is about the best book on the subject. It is clear and concise. It is written from a Christian perspective, but is fair to all points of view. Bought both the paper and e-version to show to interested friends when anything about religions arises. Well worth the price which is less than most other books on this subject

Excellent text: it is an introduction across the world religions, but obviously from a Christian perspective. It could be used either for an undergrad or graduate class that is an "introduction" to world religions.

This book has all the information needed when working in my class. Great read.

A wonderful resource book and great text for undergraduates.

Serves the college purpose

Charles E. Farhadian is professor of world religions and Christian Mission at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Farhadian has studied at Seattle Pacific University (BA), Yale University (MDIV), and Boston University (PhD). He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Christianity, Islam, and Nationalism in Indonesia (Routledge, 2005), Christian Worship Worldwide: Expanding Horizons, Deepening Practices (Eerdmans, 2007), The Testimony Project: Papua (Deiyai Press, 2007), Introducing World Christianity (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012), and the Oxford Handbook of Religious Conversion (Oxford University Press, 2014). Most recently, Farhadian has released what is sure to be the standard undergraduate-level introduction to world religions from the Christian perspective—Introducing World Religions: A Christian Engagement (Baker Academic, 2015).Introducing World Religions begins with an excellent introduction to prepare the reader for the forthcoming journey into the religious landscape of the contemporary world. This initial section, the persistence of religion, appropriately positions the reader and introduces the study of religion as an academic discipline. First, Farhadian acknowledges the difficulty that arises when one seeks to definitively define “religion.” Consequently, Farhadian follows the eight characteristics of religion articulated by Watson King (Encyclopedia of Religion, “Religion,” 12:284): (1) traditionalism, (2) myth and symbols, (3) ideas of salvation, (4) sacred objects and places, (5) sacred actions, (6) sacred writings, (7) sacred community, and (8) sacred experience. Second, Farhadian briefly explores the numerous contexts in which the study of religion is discussed (psychological, social, cultural, historical, and environmental), as well as the various theories of religion (psychological, sociological, anthropological, and economical) articulated and affected by figures such as Sigmund Freud, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx.Introducing World Religion covers eight major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism and Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and dedicates an entire chapter to new religious movements (i.e. Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, etc.). Each chapter has four dedicated sections (contemporary snapshot, origins and concepts, worship and practice, and modern movements) and closes with an annotated timeline, key terms, and a further reading bibliography. Throughout each individual chapter, the reader will encounter a number of important terms that Farhadian has highlighted and defined. These terms are also listed at the end of each chapter and included in the glossary with a brief definition for quick reference. Also, as the subtitle alludes, the reader will encounter frequent “Christian Reflection” sections in which Farhadian helps aid the reader to think through various issues from a Christian worldview. These sections are brief and differ in usefulness, but the reader is sure to appreciate the sensitivity of their inclusion for the overall purpose of the book.There are always limitations with the amount of content that can be included in an introductory work such as Introducing World Religions. This is especially the case when an author is looking to engage with other religious systems from a specific worldview. Still, I believe that Farhadian has maintained the needed balance between introduction and reflection with precision, and the reader will benefit greatly from his attention to detail. Furthermore, consistently Farhadian exhibits a clear desire to engage the landscape of world religions from a Christian worldview, and do so in such a way that the reader is encouraged to think critically as they interact with other religious systems near and far. The content within the book is clear and well organized for this task. Add a whole host of full-color illustrations, photographs, tables, maps, and sidebar discussions, and you have the recipe for a world-class textbook.If you are a teacher or professor looking for an engaging textbook that will help you students shape a Christian worldview while engaging world religions, then Introducing Word Religions by Charles E. Farhadian is certain to be a welcomed addition to your course curriculum. If you are a student, pastor, or interested layman who is looking for a solid introduction to the religious landscape of the contemporary world, then Farhadian has provided a top-contender. Introducing World Religions is clear, stimulating, and bursting with useful information for readers of all backgrounds. It comes highly recommended.I received a review copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Well organized and descriptive, I think Farhadian has done a really good job in crystallizing the concepts and ideas of each religion. The representation is fair and he puts his disclaimers clearly in boxes for the benefits of the reader. Many references are clearly laid out, complete with resources for the eager student. He manages to cover only about nine major core religions which made me wonder about the other less noticed religions. What about the native Indians? What about the growing secularist movements that are behaving within the eight characteristics of religion? I have heard of the atheist church being formed or the secularist movements. Surely, as time goes by, they too would become a "religion" by virtue of the definitions given by Winston King.As an introductory text, this book is of exceptional quality. Readers gain a better appreciation of religions lesser known to the Western world. Take Jainism for example. How many people actually know that they are the "most rigorously vegetarian of the world religions?" Those of us in the West often lumped Eastern religions too ignorantly in one basket. This book helps us understand that each of these religions are very different and to treat them all the same would be inappropriate. There is a respectful tone throughout the book that I deeply appreciate. People are different and we need to respect them for their difference. Each religion is unique and is deeply convicted about their core beliefs. Understanding them would mean we develop maturity to know that we do not have to give up our own beliefs just to appreciate another. This is crucial for the healthy development of a society that is increasingly pluralistic, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural. The more we know of one another's faith and practices, the more we are able to be sensitive to one another. The situation is especially important given the rising numbers of inter-marriages among people of different faith persuasions. Read this book not only as a student but as a keen participant in building bridges toward the commonly verbalized ideal: "World peace."Rating: 5 stars of 5.conradeThis book is provided to me courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.