Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
The World's Religions, by Huston Smith, has been a standard introduction to its eponymous subject since its first publication in 1958. Smith writes humbly, forswearing judgment on the validity of world religions. His introduction asks, "How does it all sound from above? Like bedlam, or do the strains blend in strange, ethereal harmony? ... We cannot know. All we can do is try to listen carefully and with full attention to each voice in turn as it addresses the divine. Such listening defines the purpose of this book." His criteria for inclusion and analysis of religions in this book are "relevance to the modern mind" and "universality," and his interest in each religion is more concerned with its principles than its context. Therefore, he avoids cataloging the horrors and crimes of which religions have been accused, and he attempts to show each "at their best." Yet The World's Religions is no pollyannaish romp: "It is about religion alive," Huston writes. "It calls the soul to the highest adventure it can undertake, a proposed journey across the jungles, peaks, and deserts of the human spirit. The call is to confront reality." And by translating the voices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, and Judaism, among others, Smith has amplified the divine call for generations of readers. --Michael Joseph Gross
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
What a tool!
Customer Rating:
This review is for both The World's Religions and Illustrated World Religions. I will do as Lao Tzu and make this short and to the point. I have used this book in Sunday school, for the world history classes I teach, as reference to a book I am writing, and for general interest(s). I have recommended it to everyone who asks me questions about religion. One reason they ask me is because I have read this book. Be 4warned, this is a gateway book; it may cause you to look into your own beliefs and/or read religious text of faiths other than your own.
Good Read
Customer Rating:
The World's Religions, by Huston Smith, is a great book that includes all the world's religions and deals with each one with respect and dignity. Huston shows the best of each religion. In this one book you can learn the wisdom of each of the seven world's religions. This book will leave you with a broader sense of religion that you might not have given a second thought to. I see from reading the reviews on this site some people have recommend my book, "The Enlightenment, What God Told Me After One Million Prayers: A Message for Everyone," and again I just want them to know how much I appreciate their recommendation, especially at such a excellent site. I wrote this book out of love and for the glory of God and Jesus, not for my own fame or fortune. I welcome people to read my book, I'm sure you'll find this non-fiction account of a loving God just as positive and inspiring
Great read.
Customer Rating:
I loved the way he portrays the best of the great religions of the world. He very carefully and delicately dose not offend anyone. You think he was a member of each of the religions he writes about. It's a Wonderful book for a spiritual reader. If you are truly a spiritual reader I suggest you read The Enlightenment, What God Told Me After One Million Prayers: A Message for Everyone. I believe you will love it too!
GET A DICTIONARY!
Customer Rating:
SMITH IS OFF THE CHAIN WITH HIS VOCABULARY. KEEP A DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS NEAR LOL.
pretty good
Customer Rating:
this was a used product, but it was in extremely good condition. there were some markings in the book, but other than that it was in top shape.
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