Description
Book SynopsisCan the histories of the great religious traditions help us to predict their futures? Are broad common patterns discernable within the developments of Hinduism, Chinese religion, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam? In Cycles of Faith, noted historian of religion Robert Ellwood makes the case that the five largest world religions all move through the stages of Apostolic, Imperial, Devotional, Reformation, and Folk Religion. Cycles of Faith is a completely revised edition of Ellwood''s 1988 book, The History and Future of Faith. Ellwood''s readable text can provide a useful, theoretical framework to many classes in religious studies.
Trade ReviewEllwood's effort is intriguing, even fascinating, and well worth reading and considering in detail. * Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review *
Table of Contents1 Religion Past and Present 2 Religious Origins and Meanings 3 Religion and the Discovery of History 4 The Development of the World's Religions 5 Beginnings: The Apostolic Stage 6 Empire and Wisdom 7 Medieval Devotionalism 8 Reformation 9 Folk Religion 10 The Modern World and Secularization 11 Religion and the Clash of Faith-Civilization 12 Summation and a Look Ahead
