For curious readers young and old; a rich and colorful history of religion from humanity’s earliest days to our own contentious times In an era of hardening religious attitudes and explosive religious violence; this book offers a welcome antidote. Richard Holloway retells the entire history of religion—from the dawn of religious belief to the twenty-first century—with deepest respect and a keen commitment to accuracy. Writing for those with faith and those without; and especially for young readers; he encourages curiosity and tolerance; accentuates nuance and mystery; and calmly restores a sense of the value of faith. Ranging far beyond the major world religions of Judaism; Islam; Christianity; Buddhism; and Hinduism; Holloway also examines where religious belief comes from; the search for meaning throughout history; today’s fascinations with Scientology and creationism; religiously motivated violence; hostilities between religious people and secularists; and more. Holloway proves an empathic yet discerning guide to the enduring significance of faith and its power from ancient times to our own.
#394835 in Books imusti 2013-06-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.88 x 1.06 x 5.98l; 1.19 #File Name: 0300194102352 pagesYale University Press
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Compassionate OverviewBy Mr Tony LondonThis is a complex and often misunderstood story. Misunderstood because of the simplification that writers often resort to when the going gets tough and complicated. Sam van Schaik has made the research for my own book; High Hopes; the history of Tibetan education in india; 1959-2015 much more interesting and he has made clear; issues which others had either skimmed through or avoided. I thank him for that. A very interesting read making one feel much better informed.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good But...By David S. WellhauserA good book that could have used more focus on secular issues and less on religion. Nonetheless this is a good primer on Tibetan history.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Learn and enjoy!By Ser ZenExcellent book; clearly written; jargon-free. Vast historical perspective of Tibet's conflict-ridden formation. Analysis underlines the historical formation of common practices; values; institutions; traditions; historical stories; identities; etc. among Tibetans; along with the production of differences and hierarchies among themselves and others --i.e.; always in relation with different groups from both neighbouring and distant lands. No reification; no romantic essentialist perspective; but complex; relational; conflicting and cohesive historical processes. Fantastic contribution to our understanding of the ongoing historical formation of peoples and their conflicting claims of unity; common territories; identities; etc. No good/evil; indigenous/foreign dichotomies taken for granted; but critically analysed. Hence; radical partisans of China-centred or idyllic-Tibet-centred perspectives are going to be challenged. Enjoy it.
