Abstract
The Oxford English Dictionary concisely defines a handbook as a book containing simple facts and instructions. This would describe only partly both the conciseness and comprehensiveness of this work. Not only are the facts provided for the traditional “big five” or most well-known world religions, but the very field of religion is expanded, if not also reconfigured, within a broader framework. At the outset it should be noted that the material is not arranged alphabetically, but rather by religion and by traditions, teachings and practices. So non-traditional religions are addressed, as is the burgeoning field of New Religious Movements (NRMs).
How is this accomplished? Simply look at the parts into which this handbook is divided. The first, relatively brief introduction, provides four chapters that set out the various Christian responses to and study of religions other than itself. These chapters cover not only the modern and comparative study of religions, but also address specific Christian theologies of religion and religions as well as summaries of their interactions. The second part of the text covers what until recently was assumed and dealt with in world religion textbooks, namely the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. Each is presented through separate chapters including introduction, history, beliefs and practices, Christian contacts, theological exchanges, current issues, and finally a chapter by an adherent. The same format is continued throughout part III on indigenous religions. These religions are included in geographic regions, beginning with India and moving through China, South-East Asia, North Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, North America, and finally, Meso and South America. Part IV, “New Religious Movements (NRM),” covers over 200 pages and provides concise overviews of NRMs derived in turn from Christianity, other world religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism), paganism, environmentalism, Gnosticism, followed by cults and psychological movements. The analytic approach is the same as that followed in examining the traditional world religions. The final part comprises essays on dimensions of religion not fully addressed in the earlier parts. These essays address issues such as religion and gender, religion and science, religion and politics, religion and violence, religion and human rights and religion and the family.
This text is essential reading for scholars, as well as students studying religious traditions other than their own. The field or fields that comprise “world religions” or “missiology” are undergoing shifts and transformations. This handbook lives up to its name, both providing the essential data, while questioning the traditional definitions and practices.