From East to West: A Comparative Study of the World's Great Religions

The available Excerpts are listed below:

• Table of Contents  
• Sample Chapter 1  
• Sample Chapter 9  

From East to West is designed to provide students with an informative, thoughtful and accessible introduction to the historical development and key distinctive traits of the world's most influential religious systems. At the same time, the volume prompts students to consider practical and philosophical points of connection that may serve to bind these varied faiths. The text is informed by the twin backgrounds of its co-authors; one from China and the other from North America.

From East to West encourages students to consider select faith traditions of the world through the distinct lenses of its authors, who attempt to offer a broad and respectful analysis. The text includes an outline of the historical development of each faith, a consideration of the philosophical and theological ideas that inform the traditions, as well as an introduction to myths, ritual practices and sectarian divisions that give the systems their distinct shapes.

In a unique aspect of the text, the authors have included comparative case studies that invite students to consider the varied ways in which actions and ideas may be interpreted through the lenses of differing cultural and religious perspectives.

Also included are questions designed to prompt additional student investigation, research aids and core vocabulary terms.