From its introduction by Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu to the epilogue by the Dalai Lama; Geography of Religion encourages new understanding of the world's great religions and of their evolution from ancient roots to vital roles in modern life. With a text as fascinating as it is authoritative; vivid photographs that evoke the reverence; rituals; and rewards of each spiritual tradition; and a rich variety of essays; sidebars; and maps; this magnificent book charts the many paths that guide us to God. Chapters on each of the 5 major religions—Hinduism; Buddhism; Judaism; Christianity; and Islam—explore the landscapes and cultures where they took hold and flourished. Eminent scholars share the faiths they live and study; revealing their sacred scriptures and rites. Every page offers new insights into religious history and doctrine; along with stunning images of believers at prayer; the holy places they cherish; and their houses of worship—from soaring cathedrals and magnificent mosques to humble shrines infused with a blessed simplicity. Fittingly; each chapter closes with a photo-essay on pilgrims and their devotional journeys—a wonderful visual reminder that no matter which faith we may embrace; we are all fellow travelers in our search for the truth. "The 200 photographs demonstrating the diversity of architecture; people; and terrain; are stunning in their beauty and simplicity." —Publishers Weekly
#583411 in Books State University of New York Press 1997-04-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.19 x 6.00l; 1.73 #File Name: 0791427749524 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A very helpful study of Leo Strauss' Jewish thoughtBy Zak SThis reader bought the book after previewing some of it on Google Books. It interested me as someone who is interested in Jewish thought.What I have learned from Kenneth Hart Green's work so far is that Leo Strauss viewed reason as having failed to refute the possibility of revelation; and likewise revelation as having failed to refute the pursuit of reason.Since this is a book about Leo Strauss' Jewish thought; the focus is on challenging thinkers who assumed they had refuted revelation. In particular; one of two essays on Baruch Spinoza argues that his work presumed the impossibility of revelation without proving it was actually impossible; and was therefore an argument based on a dogmatic assumption.The introductory essay itself is excellent; and I also found the essays included that were actually based on lectures Leo Strauss had given very readable.In short - this is a book I am very glad to have bought - and I highly recommend it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy stefanGreat book; especially if you want to understand the mind of Leo Strauss10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Strauss is a geniusBy ReaderRead "Jerusalem Athens;" "Progress or Return" and "Interpretation of Genesis." You will not emerge from the reading the same person. What a gift Strauss is to the world. He lived 1899-1973. Here's Robert Locke describing one of Strauss's ideas:The key hidden step in the Machiavellian view; a bold intellectual move that is made logically rigorous and then politically palatable by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke; is to define man as outside nature. Strauss sees this as the key to modernity. Man exists in opposition to nature; conquering it to serve his comfort. Nature does not define what is good for man; man does. This view is the basis for the modern penchant to make freedom and comfort (read "prosperity") the central concerns of political philosophy; whereas the ancients made virtue the center. Once man is outside nature; he has no natural teleology or purpose; and therefore no natural virtues. Since he has no natural purpose; anything that might give him one; like God; is suspect; and thus modernity tends towards atheism. Similarly; man's duties; as opposed to his rights; drop away; as does his natural sociability. The philosophical price of freedom is purposelessness; which ultimately gives rise to the alienation; anomie; and nihilism of modern life.
