Author Description
Can Islam be located on a map? Is Europe the center of the Christian world? Is India a Hindu nation? While decades ago these questions were often answered in the affirmative, the truth has never been that simple. Not only are adherents of particular faiths spread across the globe, but there are many variations of a particular faith practiced side by side. This has only become more true in recent years as the pace of globalization has quickened.The essays collected here provide brief and accessible introductions to the major world religions in their global contexts. The volume begins with an introduction to the globalization of religion by Mark Juergensmeyer, and is followed by individual essays on Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and local religious societies. The book concludes with three essays reflecting on the global religious scene. Taken together, these essays provide a concise, authoritative, and highly readable introduction to the state of worldwide religion in the 21st century.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates how the forces of globalization have reshaped the practice, distribution, and identity of major world religions in the 21st century. Mark Juergensmeyer, a prominent scholar of global studies and religion, curates a collection of essays that challenge static, geographically bound definitions of faith. By examining the movement of adherents and the diversification of traditions, the text argues that religion is no longer confined to traditional cultural centers but is instead a fluid, global phenomenon.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Overviews of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism in a global context
- Analysis of local religious societies and their interaction with global trends
- Theoretical frameworks regarding the globalization of religious practice
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive theological history of each religion
- It does not cover every minor religious tradition or sect in existence
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts identify this collection as a highly accessible entry point for students and general readers interested in the intersection of sociology and theology. Readers frequently note that the prose is clear and avoids overly dense academic jargon, making it a useful resource for introductory courses on global religious trends.
Page Count:
165
Publication Date:
2003-01-01
ISBN-10:
0190207566
ISBN-13:
9780190207564
Religion
Globalization
World Religions
Sociology