Description
Book SynopsisPresents an introduction to the spiritual pathways of the major world religions, exploring the core beliefs, values and practices of each tradition. Discussing contemporary issues such as post-modernism and the emergence of a 'new paradigm', this book explores the importance of religion in people's lives to provide direction in the society.
Trade Review"A wise and seasoned guide, Duncan Ferguson leads readers through the dense and often confusing thicket of the world's religions into spaces of understanding and appreciation. With unparalleled clarity and insight, this work lays bare the life-affirming and the life-denying potential of the world's great religious traditions. This lucid exploration of spiritual pathways from animism to Zoroaster shows how religious traditions can and should contribute to the development of world peace. Ferguson's book is a must read for those who desire to build bridges of understanding between the religious communities of the world rather than to throw up dividing walls of hostility." - Rev. Dr. Gordon S. Mikoski, Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Princeton Theological Seminary, USA, and President, Association of Practical Theology
Duncan Ferguson is similarly captivated by the best that religions have to offer, but also challenges naive readers to take seriously the less-than-best aspects. -- Theology Today (Volume 68, No. 4)
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part I The Context and Approach to the Study of Religion and Spirituality; 1. The Spiritual Quest; Part II Spiritual Pathways Rooted in Nature and Culture; 2. The Indigenous Wisdom Traditions; 3. Classical Expressions of Culture-Based Religions; 4. Current Expressions of Nature/Culture Religions; Part III Spiritual Pathways of Transcendent Monism; 5. Spiritual Pathways within Hinduism; 6. Spiritual Pathways within Buddhism; 7. Spiritual Pathways of within Confucianism and Taoism; Part IV The Spiritual Pathways of the Abrahamic Monotheistic Religions; 8. Spiritual Pathways within Judaism; 9. Spiritual Pathways within Christianity; 10. Spiritual Pathways within Islam; Part V The Common Elements of Life-Giving Spiritualities; 11. Finding a Spiritual Pathway Bibliography Index.
