The Religions Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained (DK Big Ideas) Hardcover – Illustrated, July 15, 2013

Great choice of book

Great introduction to many different religions. It goes through 1-4 page summaries on a few dozen ancient religions, 5 long sections on 5 major religions , and then more quick summaries on modern religions. I learned a lot. From what I know it was pretty fair and high level. Focused on the religion history, main teachings, development of religion, and the differing sects of the religion. Did not focus on the culture surrounding the religion. I would recommend this to anyone looking to learn about other religions.

I have been hearing so much about religions recently with all of the craziness going on in America's current political insanity. I was looking for a reference that could objectively give an overview and history of the World's religions. This book is perfect. Easy to read, simply laid out. Gives enough backround for a basiic understanding which is a good starting point. I think it's important to know the truth and not just believe what someone says especially when they give a distorted view to suit their own purposes. Also of note , I bought the kindle version and it was perfect. Some of the reviews said the kindle version was badly laid out and very hard to read but mine was great. The pages were full size and everything worked just fine. I would recommend this book as a basic reference.

Book has multiple religions, separated in the sections.It gives some clarity on differences and similarities.You won’t find all religions in this book and Holidays are not well highlighted, I guess that was not in the mind of the author but was in my when I read title.Other than that, book is conversation starter, good for a families to expend their knowledge and overall understanding, this is where you would like to start, for sure.Quality of the book is on the point too.

This is a collection of the world’s most common and historical religions. Reading the encyclopedic text shows us that from the beginning of humankind there has been a belief in the spiritual and supernatural. By analyzing different cultures and geographic regions a picture that when compartmentalized appears conflicting; but, when put on display all at once shows how similar the spiritual beliefs are to one another. Religions fit like different puzzle pieces to the same puzzle or different sides of the same dice. Most lead to the divine (usually a Creator) and include beliefs in a continuance of life after death; whether eternal life or reincarnation. The path of leading a moral (one of self improvement) is similar in the differing religions: to practice peace, to love one another despite differences, to help the unfortunate, and to play a role in creating a compassionate society seems to be the collective goal. By living simply, fairly, and in awareness that there is more meaning to life than individualism and materialism, as secular culture leads many to believe, shows us that there is truly one path that arises above all.As a Christ follower I share the following passage despite an evil agenda to divide brother from brother, despite ideological or theological differences; the day will come when we face death. A day that no matter belief is scientific recognition. So live a life of betterment.A favorite passage is found in Matthew 25:(I believe that by accepting this way of life a moral way is without prejudice despite differences that whether known in words but through actions God will judge and not by religious belief. “Blessed are the peacemakers)32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

It’s a broad overview of the development and impact of religion on various cultures. My husband and I don’t practice religion, but I wanted my son to have an understanding of the different religions he may encounter. It does have elements related to rituals and sacrifices, so be aware. My son is nine. He’s a strong reader, but I read it with him so we can discuss aspects of the cultures he might not fully grasp— like why people sacrificed other people for their beliefs. I don’t understand myself, honestly.

this book is 1000000% worth it. super informative and v easy to follow

This series is excellent. This one is good for understanding religions around the world.Well written with simple illustrations.

Interessant um sich zu erweitern

Assez exhaustif mais trop centre sur les religions monotheistes.J'aurais apprécié plus de détails sur d'autres croyances ( religions océaniques ...)

Ha llegado a tiempo, como es en inglés, viene bien para mis clases bilingües de filosofía, psicología. Son muy buenos libros en general y muy amenos de leer. Recomendables para todos,desde adolescentes a mayores.