Western Religions

Religion has always been a hot topic in America, but until the past fifty years, it has mainly been on denominational lines—Roman Catholic v. Protestant, Methodist v. Baptist, Presbyterian v. Episcopalian, etc.  Other religions were often regarded as safely “over there”—beyond the oceans.  Of course, those who lived in large population centers such as New York City or Los Angeles knew differently.  However, in recent decades, articles dealing with religions from A (Ahmeddiya Muslims) to Z (Zoroastrianism) are frequently found in “news” items on the Internet.  This book will be examining those of a Western origin—Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and some Islamic offshoots (particularly Baha’i).  Those searching the Internet may be surprised to find meeting places of these religions in their own locale! 

                This book is designed as an introduction.  Each chapter is worth many volumes, but it is hoped that the information here will open eyes and minds to what these groups believe.  Each chapter has a do-it-yourself exam at the end, based on the information in the chapter.  Those who like a good puzzle will hopefully enjoy this.  There are also pictures in the text—some from Internet sites and some from my own collection.  I have seen many of these places of worship, and it is hoped that the “personal” angle will make this book even easier to read—and that it will spark students’ own “bucket list.”  Bon voyage!