A Little History Of Religion

Author: Richard Holloway

Stock information

General Fields

  • : 25.99 NZD
  • : 9780300228816
  • : Yale University Press
  • : *Yale University Press
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  • : 0.388
  • : July 2017
  • : 215mm X 139mm
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  • : 33.0
  • : July 2017
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  • : books

Special Fields

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  • : Richard Holloway
  • : Little Histories Ser.
  • : Paperback
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  • : English
  • : 200.9
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  • : 40 b-w illus.
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Barcode 9780300228816
9780300228816

Description

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 21st century - with deepest respect and a keen commitment to accuracy.


Writing for those with faith and those without, and especially for young listeners, 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.

Reviews

"This is a well-written book, from which most of us will come away knowing more about the religions of the world than we knew before. . . . In its own way this engaging book might be seen as a period piece."--John Charmley, Times"Holloway's account is brimful of arresting facts."--Ian Thomson, Financial Times"As an informed reflection on the state of faith in the western world in the 21st century, written by someone who has plenty of experience, it is insightful and intelligent."--Tim Whitmarsh, The Guardian"In an age of religious tension, this is an important contribution to understanding different beliefs. . . . A straightforward, well-written introduction to religion and its various manifestations."--Library Journal"For readers in search of a thoughtful, thorough, and approachable survey of the history of religion, this book is an excellent place to start."--Booklist"[Holloway] deftly makes his knowledge accessible to the public. . . . A great service for students of religion. This is no dry textbook: With its conversational prose and density of information, it is a pleasure to read."--The Weekly Standard"It is difficult to name anyone more qualified to write on this topic than Richard Holloway. His own journey of faith has encompassed so many experiences that he writes with an admirable combination of detachment, knowledge and affectionate engagement."--Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years 'It is difficult to name anyone more qualified to write on this topic than Richard Holloway. His own journey of faith has encompassed so many experiences that he writes with an admirable combination of detachment, knowledge and affectionate engagement.' - Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years

Author description

Richard Holloway, former Bishop of Edinburgh and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, is an internationally popular writer and broadcaster. His more than twenty books include the best-selling Leaving Alexandria: A Memoir of Faith and Doubt. He lives in Edinburgh, UK.