THE WORLD'S GREAT RELIGIONS

by Life Magazine Editors with Introduction by Dr. P ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

The series on the world's great religions appeared in six parts in Life in 1955. Now- with some 160 pages of additional text and 190 pages in full color, the book is published for a permanent record -- for the general public- seeking to show these religions as their followers know and practise them. Following each of the main sections is an anthology of the extracts from the holy writings, the myths, legends and traditional teachings that make the particular religion intelligible to the reader. In Dr. Hutchinson's able Introduction, the purpose and method pursued is analyzed; the current trends high-spotted. He sees in Hinduism a new vitality closely linked to the young nation of India. He recognizes stirrings within Buddhism, that has until recently rested more on tradition. He feels that the hopes of unity among Moslems, Christians, Buddhist and Hindus is an illusion, in its failure to recognize the basic nature of the differences, insurmountable to the faithful of each. The influences on the religions of both East and West of political and cultural changes are noted: there is cursory handling of the fact that little is known of what is actually happening to religion in China; and there is mention at least of other living religions, those of the Jains, the Sikhs, the Parsees in India; of Shintoism in Japan; of atheism, agnosticism, humanism and communism as kinds of faiths. The main text and pictures that follow concern themselves with Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucionism, Islam and Christianity. The market- many who would shy away from scholarly studies will find that their knowledge, their understanding, their tolerance will be strengthened through this beautiful book.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1957

Categories: NONFICTION