The Power of Religion

"An excellent introductory reader for understanding the diversity of religious beliefs and practices and the way(s) religion is an integral aspect of all cultures and traditions. Excellent for all college levels."--Rosemary Rader, Carleton College"I'm excited to find a text that focuses on the ways religion 'plays out' in real human lives, that is rooted in lived experience and historical realities, and that connects new concepts and materials to previous concepts and materials in the text. My students will appreciate the readability of the text."--Wayne A. Gilbert, Community College of Aurora"I have been searching for an introductory book that presents the truths of religion in a clear and meaningful way. The Power of Religion is the answer to my prayers."--Rev. James, Nadeau, University of New England"The use of descriptions of religious rituals as the doorway to the study of religions is excellent."--Michael Latzer, Gannon University"A very much needed and useful resource for any introductory course on the world's religions. Whereas most textbooks present various religions in their official forms, Porterfield's text offers informative and intimate portraits of religions in their popular forms."--Fotini Katsanus, University of North Carolina-Charlotte"Well written, easy to understand. It follows through on the claims in the introduction. I appreciate the comparison of groups along the way, and the final section on community is helpful in pulling the pieces together."--Stephen Pettis, Buffalo State College"I like the concrete approach."--O.A. Robinson, Central Methodist College

• IntroductionPart I: Religious Practice1: Navajo Sandpainting2: The Roman Catholic Eucharist3: A Jewish Passover Seder4: Islamic Salat5: Puja to the Hindu Goddess Devi6: Buddhist ZazenPart Two: Experience7: Lakota Self-Sacrifice8: Presbyterian Grace9: Jewish Mysticism10: Islamic Jihad11: Experiencing God in the Hindu Bhagavadgita12: Meeting a Tibetan BuddaPart III: CommunityThe Power of Religious Communities