Joanne O'Brien – författare

The youngest of the world religions, the Baha'i faith is also one of the fastest growing, increasing from 200,000 followers worldwide in 1950 to more than five million members today. Founded in 1863, this religion's essential belief centers on the unity of all religions and the abolition of racial, class, and religious prejudices. ""Baha'i Faith, Third Edition"" explores all aspects of the Baha'i faith, from the original teachings of its founder, Baha'u'llah, to the modern-day communities that exist in 236 countries and territories throughout the world. Coverage includes: ""Al-Kitab al-Aqdas"" (""The Most Holy Book of Baha'u'llah""); the roots and spread of the Baha'i faith; beliefs and teachings; worship and rites of passage; and the future of the Baha'i faith.

Buddhism, Fourth Edition tells the story of Buddhism's origins and its development into three major schools of thought - and presents the particular beliefs and practices of those schools of Buddhism that still flourish today. This fascinating title explores the concept of the 'socially engaged Buddhist,' the growth and practice of Buddhism in America, and the recent revival of Buddhism in Asia. Coverage includes: introduction to the modern Buddhist world; the life of the Buddha; the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia, and the world; differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism; the literature of Buddhism; Buddhism and the arts' the year in Buddhism; and Buddhism today and in the future.

Long dismissed as irrelevant by communist China, Confucianism is experiencing a new resurgence in China and around the globe. So-called New Confucianists seek to find a unity between their religion and the modern world, rejecting any form of cultural isolationism. Founded in China 2,500 years ago by a master philosopher, Confucianism was a system of ethical behavior and social responsibility that evolved into one of the great spiritual traditions of the East. It has played a profoundly important role in the evolution of Chinese civilization over the centuries and has had a marked influence on other Asian cultures including those of Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. ""Confucianism, Third Edition"" clearly outlines the historical development of Confucianism, presents the basic tenets of Confucian thought, traces its evolution in response to the events of Chinese history, and examines its enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Coverage includes: basic concepts and beliefs of Confucianism; the teachings of Confucius; Confucian literature, including The Five Classics; the effects of political interference from China, Europe, and the United States; and restoration of Confucianism in the 21st century.

One of the oldest and most complex of the world's spiritual traditions, Hinduism is the religion of more than four-fifths of the Indian subcontinent's population. Major Hindu communities also exist around the world. Dispelling many of the myths and mysteries surrounding this ancient world religion, ""Hinduism, Fourth Edition"" provides readers with an up-to-date understanding of the interconnection of religion and politics in India, problems facing Hindu communities in the diaspora, and American movements in Hinduism. The coverage includes: roots of Hinduism; Hindu customs and beliefs; Hindu gods and devotionalism; Hindu rites of passage; the Hindu nationalist movement in India; Hinduism and the interfaith movement; and, Hinduism and the environmental movement.

Developed in prehistoric times, Shinto is the true expression of what it means to be Japanese. Less a formal religious statement than a deeply ingrained way of life, the rituals, traditions, and values of Shinto have both shaped and been shaped by Japanese culture. ""Shinto, Third Edition"" examines the basic tenets of Shinto, its evolution in response to other religious influences, and how the original Shinto religion - rooted in an agrarian society - survives in this contemporary industrial world. With color photographs and illustrations, a glossary, and an index, this highly attractive reference introduces general readers, religious students, and anyone with an interest in religion to the intriguing Shinto faith. The coverage includes: the idea of kami; the varieties of Shinto; introduction of Buddhism; the importance of shrines; the effects of World War II; and, the growing appeal of Shinto throughout the world.

Zoroastrianism, the smallest of the world's great religions, is also one of the oldest. Founded more than 3,000 years ago by the prophet Zarathustra, it flourished in ancient Persia during the time of the Persian Empire. Scholars have long acknowledged the contributions of Zoroastrianism to other faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Concepts such as the notion of one God, heaven and hell, the dualism of good and evil, a savior to come, and everlasting life can trace their roots to the religion of Zarathustra. ""Zoroastrianism, Third Edition"" traces the history and beliefs of Zoroastrianism and its followers' determination through centuries of persecution and hardship into the present day. The Iranian and Indian Zoroastrian communities in which the religion has thrived without missionary efforts or vast numbers of believers is also explored. The coverage includes: the message of the prophet Zarathustra; the sacred fire; Zoroastrianism throughout history; the Zoroastrian scripture, the Avesta; rituals, beliefs, and rites of passage; and, traditional versus updated Zoroastrianism.

The world's religions have emerged as one of the great geopolitical forces shaping our lives. Understanding these beliefs is crucial to understanding ethnic tension and the clash of cultures, as well as being fundamental to world peace. Even where people have moved away from formal religious practices, the legacies of traditional beliefs continue to inform their sense of self, and their values and customs. This atlas maps the impact of major world religions, their divisions and contemporary challenges. It shows, country by country, how religions spread their influence through broadcasting, missionary work, education and banking; how they relate to governments; how they help to alleviate the effect of poverty; and the role they play in conflict. The atlas covers a wide range of topics including new religious movementsatheism and agnosticism ethical investment persecution and recovery aidsexual equality the environment Plus the book includes an essential reference table on the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism, Christianity, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.