Teaches students the art and practice of comparison in the globalizing world fully updated to
reflect recent scholarship and major developments in the field Comparing Religions: The Study
of Us that Changes Us is a wholly original absorbing and provocative reimagining of the
comparative study of religion in the 21st century. The first textbook of its kind to foreground
the extraordinary or paranormal aspects of religious experience this innovative volume reviews
the fundamental tenets of the world's religions discusses the benefits and problems of
comparative inquiry explores how the practice can impact a person's worldview and values and
much more. Asserting that religions have always engaged in comparing one another the authors
provide insights into the history trends debates and questions of explicit comparativism in
the modern world. Easily accessible chapters examine the challenges of studying religion using
a comparative approach rather than focusing on religious identity inspiring students to think
seriously about religious pluralism as they engage in comparative practice. Throughout the text
a wealth of diverse case studies and vivid illustrations are complemented by chapter outlines
summaries toolkits discussion questions and other learning features. Substantially updated
with new and revised material the second edition of Comparing Religions: * Draws from both
comparative work and critical theory to present a well-balanced introduction to contemporary
practice * Explains classic comparative themes provides a historical outline of comparative
practices and offers key strategies for understanding analyzing and re-reading religion *
Draws on a wide range of religious traditions to illustrate the complexity and efficacy of
comparative practice * Embraces the transcendent nature of the religious experience in all its
forms including in popular culture film and television * Contains a classroom-proven
three-part structure with easy-to-digest thematically organized chapters * Features a
companion website with information on individual religious traditions additional images a
glossary discussion questions and links to supplementary material Comparing Religions: The
Study of Us that Changes Us Second Edition is the perfect textbook for undergraduate students
and faculty in comparative religion the study of religion and world religions as well as a
valuable resource for general readers interested in understanding this rewarding area.
