Introducing World Religions

Victoria Urubshurow is Associate Professor at the University of Maryland University College, where she was given a "Teaching Excellence Award" in 2007. She has taught  college courses in world religions and culture for over two decades in various permutations including: Religions of the World: East, Religions of the World: West, Buddhism, Hinduism, Religions of China and Japan, Islam, Introduction to Philosophy, Myth and Ritual, and Women in the Western World. As an historian of culture she has written on theory of religious symbols, spiritual biography, and aspects of Buddhism, including a volume on Buddha's life.

'A very interesting approach that should resonate with many students on introductory courses in religion. Although the idea of basing the analysis of religions on performance is novel at this basic level, it is easy to grasp and will be attractive to students and those coming to religious studies as a discipline for the first time. The coverage is comprehensive and the emphasis throughout is on comparative consideration of linked and contrasting beliefs and rituals, and I anticipate that many in the profession will find this an exciting text to use on their courses.' - Oliver Leaman, University of Kentucky, USA'I have not put down this text book since I received it. The book is beautifully done. The chapters are well organized, and include a complete introductory picture of each religion, including religions that are traditionally left out of texts like Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Baha'i, and others. Including a well rounded picture of a religion is no small task! Yet this text does so. The chapters include historical perspective, key figures, historical figures, women, and mystics. They also include useful time lines, and some very interesting illustrations. I've noticed that illustrations go a long way in breaking up the monotony of print with students, and make a surprising difference in how a text is received. And all for under fifty dollars. Wonderful. Urubshurow clearly takes her material seriously, and presents it in a clear, concise, and wonderfully accessible manner.' – Bill Lester, Yuba College, USA

• PREFACE, Religions in our world today, A word about problematic terms, Editorial formalities, Dates Treatment of terms, Chapter enhancements 1 APPROACHING RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS 2 EXPRESSIVE TRADITIONS OF OCEANIA, AMERICA, AND AFRICA 3 ZOROASTRIAN TRADITION PART 1 ZOROASTRIAN PLAYERS PART 2 ZOROASTRIAN TEXTURE PART 3 ZOROASTRIAN PERFORMANCE 4 JUDAIC TRADITION PART 1 JUDAIC PLAYERS PART 2 JUDAIC TEXTURE PART 3 JUDAIC PERFORMANCE 5 CHRISTIAN TRADITION PART 1 CHRISTIAN PLAYERS PART 2 CHRISTIAN TEXTURE PART 3 CHRISTIAN PERFORMANCE 6 ISLAMIC TRADITION PART 1 ISLAMIC PLAYERS PART 2 ISLAMIC TEXTURE PART 3 ISLAMIC PERFORMANCE 7 BAHÁ’Í TRADITION PART 1 BAHÁ’Í PLAYERS PART 2 BAHÁ’Í TEXTURE PART 3 BAHÁ’Í PERFORMANCE 8 JAIN TRADITION PART 1 JAIN PLAYERS PART 2 JAIN TEXTURE PART 3 JAIN PERFORMANCE 9 BUDDHIST TRADITION PART 1 BUDDHIST PLAYERS 10 HINDU TRADITION 11 SIKH TRADITION 12 CHINESE TRADITIONS PART 1 DAOIST AND CONFUCIAN PLAYERS PART 2 THE RELIGIOUS TEXTURE OF CHINESE TRADITIONS PART 3 PERFORMANCE IN CHINESE TRADITIONS 13 SHINTO¯ TRADITION 14 THE CHALLENGE OF RELIGION