Religions in the World
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2013
Pages: 218
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2013
Pages: 220
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This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the world’s major religious traditions and the fundamental questions they address concerning human existence, meaning, and morality. It begins with an exploration of what religion is, its connection to human existential concerns, the challenges of religious conflict in a global context, and the importance of tolerance among diverse faith traditions. The text then examines Confucianism and Daoism, highlighting key concepts such as moral cultivation, ritual propriety, harmony with nature, and the pursuit of balance between opposing forces. It continues with an overview of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, presenting their central beliefs, ethical teachings, sacred texts, and views on concepts such as karma, salvation, enlightenment, justice, and divine purpose. Throughout, the book emphasizes both the distinctiveness and shared concerns of these traditions, including love, duty, moral responsibility, and the search for spiritual fulfillment.eBook Version
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Chapter One: Introduction
I. What Is Religion?
II. Religions and Human Existential Interests
III. Conflict of Religions: The Global Challenge
IV. Religions and Toleration
Chapter Two: Confucianism
I. The Five Religious Dimensions of Confucianism
II. Humanity
III. Righteousness
IV. Ritual Propriety
V. The Feelings of Shame and Dislike
VI. Filial Piety and Sense of Continuity
VII. The Religious Status of Heaven VIII. Models of Being
IX. Fate, Destiny, and Humanity
Chapter Three: Daoism (Taoism)
I. A Comparison between Confucianism and Daoism (Taoism)
II. Dao (Tao) as the Ultimate
III. Ying, Yang, the Three Treasures, and the Harmony of Nature
IV. Virtue, Power, and Union with the Great Ultimate
V. The Concept of Immortality
Chapter Four: Hinduism
I. Hinduism Overview
II. Brahman, Atman, and Dharma
III. The Law of Karma
IV. Role Duty and Selfless Service
V. Enlightenment
Chapter Five: Buddhism
I. Buddhism in Overview
II. The Four Noble Truths
III. Karma and the Wheel of Existence
IV. Non-Substantiality of the Self and the World
V. Love
VI. Happiness
VII. Enlightenment
Chapter Six: Judaism
I. Judaism in Overview
II. Creation and Its Moral-Religious Implication
III. Downfall of Mankind
IV. Faith, Torah, and the Ten Commandments
V. The Law of Justice: An Eye for an Eye
Chapter Seven: Christianity
I. Christianity in Overview
II. Jesus Christ: The Savor, the Teacher, and the Paradigm
III. The Concepts of Trinity and Incarnation
IV. The Concept of Sin
V. Love
VI. Resurrection, Redemption, and Salvation
Chapter Eight: Islam
I. Islam in Overview
II. The Fundamental Islamic Beliefs
III. The Religious Duties of Muslims: The Five Pillars
IV. Jihad
V. The Status of Women
Glossary
Xunwu Chen is a Professor of Philosophy and Classics at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His academic work engages a wide range of philosophical themes, including existentialism, phenomenology, global justice, ethics, cosmopolitanism, and East–West philosophical dialogue. He is known for integrating classical philosophical traditions with contemporary global issues, with a particular focus on moral philosophy, law, and human existence.
Professor Chen has presented his research at numerous international conferences and academic symposia across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His presentations include topics such as existentialism in modern literature, phenomenological approaches to global justice, the philosophy of law, cosmopolitan ethics, crimes against humanity, and cross-cultural philosophical perspectives.