although it's topical at the moment i have been searching for a non fiction,factual, compendium type book which would outline the various religions of the world & include some popular cults/sects etc.
i once read a school book which had a very childlike way of introduceing - hinduism,buddhism it even explained shi'ites but would like a more grown up book.
does anyone know of one - i have searched google etc but doesn't seem to help.
Ousetunes
29-07-2005, 12:22
I would have thought your best bet was Amazon.
I've got a book called The World's Religions which I actually got from one of those book clubs you see advertised in Sunday Newspaper magazines. It's quite a read that details - in quite some depth - the many religions of the world.
Go to http://www.amazon.co.uk and look in the religion section.
I'd be very surprised if you drew a blank there. Also, CLC Bookshop on West Street, although a Christian literature outlet in itself, does contain a few books that cover other religions.
And don't forget the internet!
Hope this has been of some help.
back2basics
29-07-2005, 13:31
It is fiction, but it may be worth a read anyway. Life of Pi, it's about a kid who practices the three majour religions, some interesting views on them.... then he gets stuck ina boat with a tiger, which is going to suck.
absynthfairy
30-07-2005, 22:12
I would recommend (as an RE teacher!!) "Religion for Dummies" - it's a great book...informative without being patronising and covers many different religions and sects.
You can get it on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764552643/103-9432661-0374263?v=glance
"Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder is a fantastic read - fiction but maps the entire history of western philosophy from Plato to Wittgenstein brilliantly disguised as a mystery novel...
DragonofAna
30-07-2005, 22:21
You may find that talking to people of other religions in depth may be much more rewarding than any books you may get. Try Litha's moots or pop into the Shades shop. In fact - most religious people will enjoy talking about their religions without trying to convert you.
Books are okay but do not give you a feel for the sincerity of the 'followers' of a path.
Dragon