The New Penguin Handbook of Living Religions

Comprehensive and informative, The New Penguin Handbook of Living Religions has been completely revised, with all chapters updated to include discussion of modern developments and recent scholarship. Compiled by a team of leading international scholars, it is an authoritative guide to understanding the religious beliefs and practices of the world today.

* Explains the sources and history of the world's religions, from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism to regional groups in Africa, China and Japan
* Describes the doctrines, practices and teachings of different religions, including rites of passage and specific rituals
* Examines the phenomenon of Black African and Asian diaspora religions around the world
* Explores the role of gender in modern religion
* Discusses the widespread contemporary interest in spirituality