Religion In 50 Words

This book is the first of a two-volume work that seeks to transform the study of religion by offering a radically critical perspective. It does so by providing a succinct and critical examination of the key words used in the modern study of religion.

Religion in 50 More Words: A Redescriptive Vocabulary provides a succinct historical, social, and political examination of some of the key words used in the modern study of religion. Differing from the first volume’s more theoretical focus, this volume analyzes more common first order descriptive terms that are used throughout the field, inviting readers to theorize their traditional vocabulary. Topics covered include: • Atheism/Theism • Conversion • Cult • Evil • Fundamentalism • Idol • Magic • Pilgrimage • Ritual • Sacrifice Religion in 50 More Words submits such terms to a critical interrogation and subsequent redescription. This paves the way for a collective and more critical reframing of the field. The volume, along with Religion in 50 Words, provides an indispensable resource for students and academics working in the field of religious studies and cognate disciplines.

Religion in 50 Words: A Critical Vocabulary is the first of a two-volume work that seeks to transform the study of religion by offering a radically critical perspective. It does so by providing a succinct and critical examination of the key words used in the modern study of religion. Arranged alphabetically, the book explores the historic roots, varied uses, and current significance and utility of the technical terms used within the current field of religious studies. These are the terms that both students and scholars routinely deploy to think about, describe, and analyze data—sometimes without realizing that they are themselves technical tools in need of attention. Among the topics covered: Belief Critical Culture Definition Environment Gender Ideology Lived religion Material religion Orthodoxy Politics Race Sacred/profane Secular Theory This book submits all of its terms to a critical interrogation and subsequent re-description, thereby allowing a collective reframing of the field. This volume is an indispensable resource for students and academics working in religious studies.

30-Second Religion demystifies the key beliefs of the world's major religions, denominations and less widespread sects, and explains them to the general reader in half a minute, using nothing more than two pages, 300 words and one picture. Whether you want to understand the key differences between Lutheranism and Calvinism or take in a brief overview of Buddhist philosophy, this book is the quickest way to walk the paths and recognize the key signposts of the world's diverse and fascinating faiths.

Despite frequent prognostications regarding the "death of God" and the triumph of secular materialism, religion remains a central component in the lives of most people around the world. There are currently thought to be 2 billion Christians, 1.2 billion Muslims, 800 million Hindus, along with some 700 million followers of other religions. Religion: 50 Ideas You Really Need to Know offers a clear path through the conceptual and denominational thickets of global religion. Award-winning religious affairs correspondent Peter Stanford begins with an examination of sacred texts, the divine principle and good and evil, before moving on to a discussion of the different traditions within Christianity, Islam, Judaism and the myriad customs of the East.

Some people make theology complicated. Here’s what you need to know. Theology can be intimidating, full of big words and lofty ideas. Yet theological terms aren’t just for professors to argue about in the ivory tower. These powerful words have important meanings for the everyday Christian, too. They aren’t reserved for academic theologians. These terms belong to you! In 50 Most Important Theological Terms, Moody professors David Finkbeiner and Brian Tucker offer helpful explanations of the –isms and –ologies of Bible doctrine that you’ve heard of but aren’t sure what they mean. Beyond mere explanations, the authors help you understand why these terms matter, not just for classroom textbooks but for the book of real life. You’ll learn about questions like: How is Jesus fully God and fully human at the same time? By what means was sin passed to everyone from Adam? Do humans have only a body and soul, or a body, soul, and spirit? Is repentance from sin part of saving faith? And much more . . . Despite what you may have heard, theology actually is relevant. Don’t miss out on the meanings of theological terms. Get the answers from experts and let your confusion turn to understanding.

"Sikhism, Lutheranism, Islam, Judaism, and Spiritualism? Sure, you've certainly heard of them, but do you understand enough about these religious beliefs to quench your thirst for enlightenment or join a dinner party debate on the diversity of world religions? 30-Second Religion demystifies the key beliefs of the world's major religions, denominations, and less widespread sects, and explains them to the general reader in half a minute, using nothing more than two pages, 300 words, and one picture. Whether you want to understand the key differences between Lutheranism and Calvinism or take in a brief overview of Buddhist philosophy, this book is the quickest way to walk the paths and recognize the key signposts of the world's diverse and fascinating faiths. Traveling from Animism to Zoroastrianism, and including features on seven key religious texts, 30-Second Religion offers an engaging guide to 50 fascinating belief systems."--Back cover.

Curriculum guide to teaching about the world's more prominent religions to help students achieve a greater tolerance of different cultures for grade 6 but coudl be used in grades 5-8.