What are some good books to introduce me to world religions besides Christianity?

Question

I already know plenty about christianity.. I was looking around for some other good intro books, but its difficult to pick some out without really knowing what the religions themselves are about. I was looking for books that would introduce me to basic beliefs and philosophies Any suggestions for me? Whats the name of the book, and what religon does it go with? Thanks!

Answer 1

I recommend these two:

1. "Sourcebook of the World's Religions". This has articles written by followers of the various religions, so it's a far better book than one written by anyone of any one religion. This is a VERY good overview, and in each section there are usually quotes from the holy books of that religion (those that have holy books), so it points you in the direction of further reading.

2. "How to Be a Perfect Stranger, a Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies". This two-volume set is absolutely wonderful if you decide to take your exploration further than reading. It will prepare you for attending religious events, so that you're not caught wearing inappropriate clothing, and so that you'll know what parts of a religious service you should not participate in, as well as which ones you can.

Answer 2

Tao Te Ching; Lao Tzu
The Gnostic Gospels; Elaine Pagels
Meditations; Marcus Aurelius (more Roman philosophy, but...)
anything by Alan Watts, Deepok Chopra(sp?), or Chuang-Tzu
and Joseph Campbell

Answer 3

The World's Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World's Religions by Peter Novak. High points and excerpts from many religions around the world. This was my textbook for my World Religions class in graduate school. It gives references, too, if you decide you want to look at something particular further.

For me personally, I recommend the Tao Te Ching at the link below. It's not very long, my paper copy is extremely thin.

Answer 4

If you are interested in Hellenic Pagan beliefs there is a good book titled KHARIS: Hellenic Polytheism Explored by Oinokhoe. It is an excellent book for explaining the basics of the religion. The link to purchase the book is below.

Answer 5

I would suggest going to Barnes & Noble. Search the religion section.
Also, go to a metaphysical book store.
I didn't know much about religion until I worked at a similar bookstore. Where I met lots of people who were into various different types of religions.
It was very interesting, and it helped to define what I believe and didn't believe. :D
Two people who had a very big impact on me was a buddhist woman and a guy around my age who worshipped Christ in a very buddhist way...However now I identify myself as a Messianic.

Answer 6

A History of God by Karen Armstrong is an excellent introduction to other religons. I highly recommend it.

Answer 7

I know some of these are for the younger reader but this is a great company that has a wide range of titles on the subject.

http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/nf/Search/QuickSearchProc/1,,,00.html?path=c614078%2D00000000%23%23%2D1%23%23%2D1%7E%7Eq6d6574612e636f6c6c656374696f6e3a696d70756c7365%7E%7Enc614078%2D680%23%230%23%238&homeNav=Y&newTitle=%22Y%22

Answer 8

"Jesus Among Other Gods" by Ravi Zacharias

Answer 9

You could probably start with any of these:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-9909045-5564805?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=World+Religions&Go.x=9&Go.y=12

I hope this helps!

Answer 10

try http://www.sacred-texts.com they have many online books on different world religions....