Anyone know a good IMPARTIAL book on the history of religion? The difference/origin of Catholic/Baptist etc.?

Question

I'm just curious how and when the different religions started... historically. Lutheran vs Catholic vs Methodist etc.

Answer 1

Here's a couple that would work for that. There are actually a lot out there.

The HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion by American Academy Of Religion

The Penguin Dictionary of Religions: Second Edition (Dictionary, Penguin) by John R. Hinnells

Dictionary of Philosophy and Religion: Eastern and Western Thought by William L. Reese

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (Oxford Paperback Reference) by John Bowker

Answer 2

Since you mentioned Christian denominations some great books have already been mentioned but you might also want to check out the Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity http://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Illustrated-History-Christianity-Histories/dp/0192854399

And while you're at it Oxford University Press covers all religions and has specialized books for different eras, focuses, etc. which you can check out here: http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/HistoryOther/HistoryofReligion/~~/c2Y9YWxsJnZpZXc9dXNh

Hope this helps and happy reading

Answer 3

DaVinci Code

Answer 4

If you're looking at the history of religion, you need to look at polytheist religions as most of them pre-date monotheistic ones.

Answer 5

•Catechism of the Catholic Church
•Our Lady of Fatima's Peace Plan from Heaven
•The Sun Danced at Fatima
•Eucharistic Miracles - by Joan Carroll Cruz
•Vicars of Christ: A History of the Popes - by Charles A. Coulombe
•A tour of the Summa - by Monsignor Paul J. Glenn
•The Catholic Answer BOOK of MARY - by the very reverend Peter M.J. Stravinskas P.H.D., S.T.D.
•Hail, Holy Queen - by Scott Hahn
•Her Own Words to the Nuclear Age - by John M. Haffert
•Saint Michael and the Angels
•Saint Michael the Archangel (booklet)
•Divine Mercy of my Soul: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska - by: St. Faustina
•The Lamb's Supper - by Scott Hahn
•The Snakebite Letters (15 spicy letters from Satan's agents below that allow the reader to spy into Hell's inter-office communication.) - By Peter Kreeft
• Crossong the Threhold of Hope - by: John Paul II
•John Paul II: Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way - by: John Paul II
•Memory and Identity - Pope John Paul II
•St. Antony of the Desert - by: St. Athanasius
•Stories of Padre Pio - by Madame Katherina Tangari
•St. Vincent Ferrer - by: Father Andrew Pradel
•Saint Anthony- The Wonder-Worker of Padua - by: Charles Warren Stoddard
•Angels and Devils - by Joan Carrell Cruz
•The Life of Blessed Margaret of Castello - by: Father William R. Bonniwell, O.P.
•God's Door Keepers: Padre Pio, Solanus Casey & Andre Bessette
•Story of a Soul:The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux - by: John Clarke
•Padre Pio: The True Story - By: C. Bernard Ruffin
•The Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood - by Father Thomas Acklin
•Saint Philomena The Wonder-Worker - by: Father Paul O'Sullivan
• Padre Pio - The Stigmatist - by: Father Charles Carty
•The Joy of Priesthood - By Father Stephen J. Rossetti
•When Did We See You Lord? - By Bishop Robert J. Baker and Father Benedict J. Groeschel
•Journey to Easter - By His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
•Still Called By Name: Why I Love Being a Priest - Father Dominic Grassi
•Swear to God: The Promise and Power of the Sacraments - By Scott Hahn
•The Incorruptibles - By Joan Carroll Cruz
•The Priest is not His Own - By Bishop Fulton Sheen


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