Product Description
The inaugural volume of Princeton Readings in Religions brings together the work of thirty scholars of the religions of India in a new anthology designed to reshape the ways in which the religious traditions of India are understood. The book contains translations of forty-five works, most of which have never before been available in a Western language. Many of these highlight types of discourse (especially ritual manuals, folktales, and oral narratives) and voices (vernacular, esoteric, domestic, and female) that have not been sufficiently represented in previous anthologies and standard accounts of Indian religions.

The selections are drawn from ancient texts, medieval manuscripts, modern pamphlets, and contemporary fieldwork in rural and urban India. They represent every region in South Asia and include Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and Muslim materials. Some are written texts reflecting elite concerns, while others are transcriptions of oral narratives told by nonliterate peasants. Some texts are addressed to a public and pan-Indian audience, others to a limited coterie of initiates in an esoteric sect, and still others are intended for a few women gathered in the courtyard for a household ceremony. The editor has reinforced this diversity by arranging the selections within several overarching themes and categories of discourse (hymns, rituals, narratives, and religious interactions), and encourages us to make our own connections. ... Read more

Product Description

This comprehensive narrative account of religion in America from 1607 through the present depicts the religious life of the American people within the context of American society. It addresses topics ranging from the European/Puritan origins of American religious thought, the ramifications of the “Great Awakening”, the effect of nationhood on religious practice, and the shifting religious configuration of the late 20th century.

Customer Reviews (1)

A good narrative history
For an undergraduate course in American Religious history and experience I am teaching, I use a derivative of this book (the publishers, Pearson, will customise texts for particular schools).However, the basic shell remains the same, as well as the vast majority of the content with the text one would purchase here.

According to authors Corrigan and Hudson, `the story of religion in America is the story of many religions, some claiming large memberships, some numbering only a few followers.'It involves issues of geography, ethnography, and pluralism both comfortable and conflicting.This continues into the present time, as issues of nationalism and globalism enter into relationship with the continuing diversity of religious identity and expression in the United States.

The text begins with colonial times, not simply with the various settlements in the thirteen colonies, but also in the Spanish and French arrivals dating back to 1492.It also discusses in the opening chapter the worldview of the native peoples, which is not a monolithic or unitary thing, but rather a wide range of viewpoints, practices and organisational elements perhaps outnumbering the variety within Christianity today.

The authors draw in brief discussions of the situation in European Catholicism and Protestantism as they introduce the various peoples who arrive in the Americas, as their understanding and reaction to the European versions play a pivotal role in how they attempt to constitute themselves in the Western hemisphere.The various elements within English-speaking and Continental Protestantism are covered with good definition for an introductory survey.

The text continues with a discussion of the Great Awakening and its influence on the increasingly independent colonies of North America, and how it contributed to the sense of communal identity and separateness that led to distinct denominationalism.The authors also look at the role of religion in politics at the time of the American Revolution as well as the attitudes of different churches toward independence.Included here is a brief discussion of the situation with regard to the unwilling immigrants who brought aspects of their own religious traditions from Africa.

The second section surveys the new nation as it grows and spreads from east to west, including a strengthening and realignment of denominations, with Protestant Christian dominance more or less solidified by the Second Awakening.The authors also discuss the situation of Jewish communities now forming in America, various Utopian movements, social movements such as Abolitionism, and various new developments in the American religious landscape (Mormonism, Spiritualism, etc.).

The period from the Civil War to the first world war is covered in the third section.This looks at issues dealing with north/south splits and reunifications due to the Civil War, the impact of freedom for African Americans on religious life in America, the impact of modern intellectual movements on religious thinking, and issues of the increasing urban character of the United States.Various movements here include the idea of the Social Gospel, women's issues, and missionary work both at home and abroad.

The final section looks at the twentieth century from the first world war forward.Protestantism and Catholicism underwent major changes both domestically and worldwide, and many smaller groups began to grow in importance, such as Judaism and Eastern Orthodoxy (and, as the century drew to a close, other world religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam began to have a presence in the religious fabric of America).

This is a relatively brief survey for such a vast topic, considering that so many Americans take religion seriously, even if not adhering to particular churches or other institutions.Even so, the numbers of people who do not identity themselves as Christian or even as religious has grown tremendously in the last decade of the twentieth century.Still, this has not lessened the increasing diversity of religious expression.`Religious diversity in America has created an environment hospitable to popular religion.Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Native America religions, and other ancient traditions are visible in as assortment of American contexts and locales.Alongside them are the many younger religions that either were born on American soil or were brought here by immigrants.'

The book includes a very useful index and a section of suggested readings, which could be fleshed out a bit more.There are footnotes rather than endnotes, which is a good thing, particularly given that the number of footnotes is adequate for scholarly purposes but not overbearing for the general and typical undergraduate reader.There is a small but reasonable number of maps, photographs, and other images throughout the text.The narrative itself is accessible, fairly engaging and helpful for anyone interested in the history of religion in America.
... Read more

Product Description

Originally titled The Religions of Man, this completely revised and updated edition of Smith's masterpiece, now with an engaging new foreword, explores the essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths, including:

• Hinduism,

• Buddhism,

• Confucianism,

• Taoism,

• Islam,

• Judaism,

• Christianity,

• and the native traditions of the Americas, Australia, Africa, and Oceania.

Emphasizing the inner -- rather than institutional -- dimensions of these religions, Smith devotes special attention to Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, and the teachings of Jesus. He convincingly conveys the unique appeal and gifts of each of the traditions and reveals their hold on the human heart and imagination.

Customer Reviews (3)

A much-needed approach in a sea of "studies"
Smith is very clear to lay out his purpose for this boko in the introduction: "This is a book about values."Smith likens his book to a music appreciation course where the "bad music" is ignored in order to more closely consider the good.I thinnk this is an excellent approach as it casts religions in the best light possible.It is an "inspirational" book by Smith's choice to give us the best of each faith.Smith himself is an expert in the subject matter.I had the honor of participating in an Interfaith Conference with him once and the depth of his knowledge, combined with his compassionate approach to each faith made for a phenomenal weekend.

That being said, I would suggest this book as a supplement to the many "studies" on the market.As a world religions professor, I make a point to assign Smith's book alongside a more "scientific" study.Where the other book offers the "mind" of the religion, Smith offers the "heart."I would not suggest Smith as a stand-alone for serious students of religion.It is, however, an excellent introduction for those who wish to see other religions as they (presumably) see their own: as sources to uplift and encourage the beliver.

Learning about major religions
Wow.I am shocked by the last review on here.I have been very pleased with this book so far.I must admit I have only read the first 60 pages, but I can already tell that this is going to be head and shoulders above most religious books. I would rate it five stars, but since I have not completed it will refrain, and rate it only four.

I was actually on here to buy it as a gift because I am enjoying it when I saw the negative coment on this.I don't think that being critical of these religions is necessary to teach what they believe.in fact I would be highly disapointed in such a book. I want to learn what they believe not why I should love or hate them.

Many people have killed and committed atrocities in the name of all religions, but that does not mean that the God they worship, their prophets, or the religous books, teach killing and atrocities as a spiritual path to righteousness. Both Christianity and Islam had several wars in the name of God, or crusades and jihads respectively.That bad fruit does not mean that Jesus or Mohamed said kill thy neighbor and take his land, in fact Christianity teaches the opposite at its core, and my guess is that Islam basically teaches love thy neighbor as well. I am looking forward to reading the section on Islam.

This book looks at the major religions' core belief structure. Each major religion writen of here has lasted centuries and has prospered with many followers that believe they are on the correct path to making themselves and the world a better place. This book describes the main tennants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Primal Religions. From what I can tell so far it does not praise nor criticize the religions that it describes. It gives you the root structure and tree trunk of the major religons, as well as a glimpse of some of the larger branches, but one book can not do justice to the many branches of each of these religions.

Horay for belief!
I had hoped to find a factual description of various world religions.Instead I found an author who is a cheerleader for all beliefs.This book is full of tedious quotations from other sources extolling the virtues of _____(fill in the blank with any religion).The book has more poetry than facts, more praise than critical evaluation.The repression of women in much of the Islamic world is dismissed as un-Islamic without so much as a single sidelong glance.The endless cycle of religiously motivated violence is blithely ignored. Interestingly ,the only (faint) criticism to be found is directed at Christianity, and even that is so minimal, that even the hardcore fundamentalists aren't likely to be offended. You'll likely get more satisfaction and a more thought provoking analysis looking up religions online. ... Read more

Product Description

From Biblical stories of Joseph interpreting Pharoh’s dreams in Egypt to prayers against bad dreams in the Hindu Rg Veda, cultures all over the world have seen their dreams first and foremost as religiously meaningful experiences. In this widely shared view, dreams are a powerful medium of transpersonal guidance offering the opportunity to communicate with sacred beings, gain valuable wisdom and power, heal suffering, and explore new realms of existence. Conversely, the world’s religious and spiritual traditions provide the best source of historical information about the broad patterns of human dream life

Customer Reviews (1)

World class survey of dreaming in the major religions of the world
Dr. Kelly Bulkeley has written a world class survey of dreaming in the major religions of the world.This book is potentially as ground-breaking as those by Dr. Huston Smith.Dr. Bulkeley speaks to our common humanity and how the human reality of dreaming is incorporated in the various streams of faith.A must read for anyone interested in dreams, world religious, or dialoging across cultures. ... Read more

Product Description
This anthology on philosophy of religion is unique in that it reflects the multicultural and global realities of religious pluralism. In addition to readings dealing with Judeo Christianity, Kessler includes Native American, African, Hindu, Islamic, Confucian, and Taoist thought. Feminist, African-American, atheist, and Latin American viewpoints are also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good enough!
I needed it for a class of mine in college. I am satisfied with it due to its low, low price. A bit messy here and there but no worries.

Missing Pages!
I received the book in a timely manner, but the book is missing the ENTIRE introduction as well as the first 5 pages of Ninian Smart's essay, "The Nature of Religion."The introduction and essay are part of my very first reading assignment and I now have to go out and buy another copy of this book because the seller sent me a damaged copy.

Brilliant philosophy book, just could be a little less wordy.
I am using this book for my Philosophy of Religion course, my last class before my Bachelor's Degree.The book is well put together and offers a host of viewpoints from different religions and religious scholars (of both major and minor religions).My only problem is that the philosophy sometimes gets cyclical or the philosophers get so wordy that you feel inclined to submit to their point just because they are double-talking so far over your head that you can no longer keep up.If I wanted to be overrun with long-winded, incomprehensible double-talk, I would go into politics.

I would recommend to anyone that is using this book for a class that you take it in short spurts, one essay at a time, and make sure to re-read each one as they tend to make a bit more sense the second time around.

Complete and Comprehensive
Although my professor didn't teach using this book to it's fullest potential- it's a great textbook nonetheless.No, there isn't much explanation but just a collection of various philosophers' writings.This book covers a great deal of territory and I only wish my prof. could have used more material from it.The questions before each reading are quite thought provoking and aren't simple yes/no questions, which I enjoyed. ... Read more

Product Description
Seven Theories of Religion introduces a sequence of "classic" attempts to explain religion scientifically, presenting each in brief outline and in non-technical language. It considers first the views of E.B. Tylor and James Frazer, two Victorian pioneers in anthropology and the comparative study of religion. It explores the controversial "reductionist" approaches of Freud, Marx, and Emile Durkheim, then explains the program of their most outspoken opponent, the Romanian-American scholar Mircea Eliade. Further on, it examines certain newer methods and ideas advanced by the English ethnographer E.E. Evans-Pritchard and by the American Clifford Geertz, two of the present century's most celebrated names in fieldwork anthropology. Each chapter offers biographical background, exposition of the theory, comparative analysis, and critical assessment. Easily accessible to students in introductory religion courses, Seven Theories of Religion is an enlightening treatment of this controversial and fascinating subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

way underrated
Before reading further, please note that a new edition of this book, with expanded coverage of Max Weber, is out: "Eight Theories of Religion." I'm sure that my praise below applies to that book as well; however, you certainly want to get that one rather than this one!

This is the best book I've read so far on the history of theories of religion. It's definitely the best introduction to the basic theories, kinds of theories, and theorists that I'm aware of. (The one book that might compare is Sharpe's history of comparative religion: I haven't read it and you might check it out in addition to this one.)

Actually, I don't think this could be done much better, aside from including more theorists. Pals covers each theorist in adequate depth; he's fair and charitable, yet he presents the common criticisms of the theories with equal fairness.

Besides that, the "Further Reading" sections and notes are very helpful to enthusiastic students. The binding is tough. The index isn't as helpful as it could be: the footnotes and further readings are not included. But relative to the quality of the book as a whole, that's a minor point.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the academic study of religion; and very strongly to students majoring in religion.

After this book, I suggest looking at Kippenberg's "Discovering Religious History in the Modern Age," which is excellent, and of course at Sharpe's book I mentioned earlier.

Theory of Religion
Aptly titled "Seven Theories", the book's format summarizes a brief history, theories, and critique of seven influential thinkers who have made a contribution to the study of religion.However, the title would have been better had it been the Seven Theories of Religion but Only Three Really Good Ones.

He introduces early methodologies of Tylor and Frazer, dispatches Freud by treating his work as a pseudo-scientosophy, criticizes Durkheim with groundless accusatory assertions reinforced with seemingly objective sources that are actually written by Pals himself, then finishes off the functionalists by discrediting Marx.

His critiques of the remaining three thinkers is a bit more like situation at a job interview where he attempts to subtly indicate 'strengths' in weaknesses.He start with Eliade in a fairly candid manner, justifies some critiques made of Eliade by using sources from Pritchards, and then caps off his methodology with nothing but adulation for the modern saint Clifford Geertz.

Although his summary of each theorist is comprehensive and his critiques justified, his agenda of promoting his approach forces these seven different theories to become just one.

Excellent
This is a very good, even-handed look at some of the great thinkers of the last 150 years, and what they thought about the phenomenon of religion, whether Judaism, Christianity, Taoism, polytheism, etc..

These thinkers can be categorized as either "reductionist" or "non-reductionist."Tyler, Frazer, Freud, Marx, and Durkheim are reductionist.To Tyler and Frazer, religion can be reduced to "irrationality" or the "primitive mentality."Freud reduces religion to "neurosis."For Marx, religion is the "opium of the masses" and nothing more than a symptom of the "class struggle."Durkheim reduces religion to "the social"; that is, religion is society, society is religion.

Eliade is non-reductionist.He thinks religion cannot be reduced to psychology, sociology, economics, theology or anything else, but has to be seen as something unique in its own right.Eliade studies myths and other phenomenon of religion, compares them, tries to find universal similarities.

Evans-Pritchard and Geertz are also non-reductionist.But they don't try and "theorize" like Frazer or Eliade; they don't try to find the "origin" of religion.They are content to do in depth studies of particular culures.

The History of Religion, anthropology, ethnology--these are all fuzzy sciences.The debate over what religion is, how it came to be in various cultures, whether or not it is needed or unneeded, whether or not it is rational or irrational or just a product of the "prelogical" mind--all this still rages on amongst anthropologists, ethnologist, pyschologists, sociologists, and historians of religion.The reductionists vs. the non-reductionists.Who will win?

Overall, a good and fair-balanced read.

a great explanation of religion from several disciplines
This was used as the primary textbook for my senior seminar as a religion major in college. Pals provides a great introduction to the major theories of religion, which we then used to help us understand the primary writings of Freud, Eliade, Marx, Durkheim, Geertz and others. In the years since taking the class, this is one of the few books that I have recommended to a number of friends along the way who have been interested in learning more about religion from a philosophical/academic standpoint.

A good summary of religious thought.
This book was definitely a good summary of the thoughts of eight main historical figures (with a few others thrown in here and there). However, in many cases, the summaries were not so much about religion, but rather mythologies that sometimes masquerade as religion, at least in some people's opinions. For example, the ideas of Mircea Eliade, to me, are simply mythologies and barely constitute the basis of a veritable religion (and are pretty boring reading, to boot). And Karl Marx's ideas are so stepped in the socioeconomic realm that one cannot really call his work a "theory" of religion. On the other hand, the interesting work of Freud and Durkheim are specifically related to the subject of religion and are good additions to the book.

Thus, for me, this book is sort of a smattering of material that is worthwhile and entertaining reading - but may not be living up to the title of the book. As just one example, there is actually no discussion of the major thinkers who have put forward cognitive and biological hypotheses (for they are not "theories") of religion. (The section on Freud does not really count towards this because his work was not so much cognitive, as psychoanalytic.) Thus, for me, this book did not really discuss theories of religion, per se, but theories of various aspects of what some might call religion and others might call folklore, legend, or mythology.

This is a worthwhile book because you get a condensed view of the thoughts of many notable thinkers from wide ranges of disciplines (such as anthropology, sociology, etc.) but keep in mind that these are not "theories" of religion. They are, if anything, hypotheses and they are, if nothing else, only about relative aspects of various belief systems. If you are more concerned about the origins of religion (and thus a true "theory") I recommend a book like Pascal Boyer's "Religion Explained" or the books by Michael Shermer, such as "How We Believe."

Another problem I had with the book were the footnotes. Sometimes they contained just references and other times they contained material worth reading. In all cases, the "material worth reading" was short enough that it should have been placed in the main text. The constant shifting back and forth in this book made it a slower (and less entertaining) read for me than it probably otherwise would have been.

Overall, however, I think this was a well-researched book and contains a lot of good material. It just did not really cover the aspects of religion that I was hoping for. ... Read more

Product Description
The author of The Book of J analyzes the American religious imagination to produce this brilliant examination of a national soul. His consensus: America is a nation of Gnostics, believers in a pre-Christian tradition of individual divinity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

You can trust academics some of the time, but not this one
After having read this book, and JESUS AND YAHWEH, and a review of Isaac Bashevis Singer, I conclude that Harold Bloom is a learned fool.

Humorous outlook of american style religion
Although its several years since I read this book, it frequently comes to mind. That, in itself, is a reason I give it five stars. Besides its a fun book which accurately portraits some of the american religious denominations and sects (or cults if you like) we all know at some level. Even if this is not a scholarly work there are enough objective facts to give you a reasonable overlook of what each type of "american religion" represents and enough reasonable perception and experience of same to benefit for your learning of each group. Actually this might be a very good place to start for the curious and novice in the field. Especially good are the works on pentecostals and mormons, check them out. But the work also still stands out as a whole. A must read!

Criticism at Its Finest
This review addresses another review that finds Bloom to be biases against religion.I grew up a Seventh Day Adventist. Bloom says that the SDA church is in danger of becoming a health movement. Now, I can see how this might be offensive to a true believer. It would be considered no more than an interesting observation if the subject matter were a political party or aesthetic movement rather than a religion. Bloom views his observations, as religious criticism similar in style to literary criticism. He mentions this after writing something that could be considered disparaging about Jehovah's Witnesses, the only religion for which he may have written something close to disparaging. He almost apologizes for being rude, but says (and I may not remember this correctly) something to the effect that he is doing no more than pointing out what appears to be a flaw as he would when criticizing a book with an aesthetic flaw. While some of his observations may seem like an attack from the view of religious dogmatists, they are no more than sociological observations concerning various religions with which many American's identify. Of course, the only way he could achieve this type of objectivity is to be so removed from religion that he neither identifies with it nor hates it. He simply observes it. This might be the most infuriating aspect of the book for individuals who identify closely with their religion.

Are you an American Gnostic?
Bloom's interpretation of "the American Religion" as modern Gnosticism was very helpful in making sense of the American religious landscape, whether Mormon, Adventist, Christian Scientist, Baptist, or Pentecostal. The religious American (for Bloom) is one who knows God in solitude. The soul is co-primeval with God. It is uncreated, and only truly knows itself when it "walks alone in the garden with Jesus." The solitude at the heart of American religion has an analog in the solitude of the vast American wilderness. The disappearance of time when "walking with Jesus" has an analog in the historical newness of the United States. (Never mind that there was a lot of Native American history before the white people showed up. Europeans did not know or identify with this history. They thought they were confronting the primeval as they moved westward. America was a lonely space without history, and thus the perfect backdrop for the American religionist's timeless, "gnostic" aloneness with God.)

I couldn't help but to compare Bloom's well-researched analysis of American religion with another assessment I recently read in Sam Harris's very popular _Letter to a Christian Nation_. Next to Bloom (who is not even a historian), Harris's ignorance of religious history is striking. The facile claim Harris makes about fundamentalism being the pure religion and everything "moderate" being a defection from pure Know-Nothingism (to use Bloom's terminology) is profoundly unhistorical. It is an extreme over-application of the relatively recent fundamentalist/moderate debate in the Southern Baptist Convention. Fundamentalism--like the word itself, which was coined in 1920--is a modern invention. In the larger scheme of things, religion has rarely been thoughtless. From the very beginning believers have tried to figure out and represent what they believe, which is the exact opposite of fundamentalism, where everything is already figured out and represented (and damn you if you think differently!). Furthermore, American fundamentalists (as Bloom argues rather persuasively) are NOT biblical literalists (as Harris claims), because they don't really read the Bible. Holy texts are NOT the sources of supreme evil in the world--those who stop putting any effort into understanding them are the real problem. Before the 20th century, as Bloom points out, no one ever treated the Bible like a dumb idol devoid of the problems of language. Harris is simply wrong about this. He is blithely unhistorical.

Harris wants to fix fundamentalism by destroying religion altogether, but this is like fixing a leaky faucet by ripping out the whole kitchen. It betrays a crude (or perhaps just sensationalist and opportunistic) understanding of the situation.

Reading Bloom is delightful. His arguments are littered with with brilliant little insights that produce a sense of astonishment. Not many writers can manage this. Brilliance comes at the cost of idiosyncrasy, but to harp on this point with Bloom would really be to miss the forest for the trees. Sometimes he is a little repetitive, and sometimes he moves too quickly, but none of this compromises the overall effectiveness or pleasure of the book.

It Must Be Good
The one-star review posted here by a person who is obviously a Mormon has convinced me that Bloom's book must be a masterpiece of insight and accurate criticism.I will get this book and read it immediately. ... Read more

Product Description
Ideal for courses in Asian/Eastern religions and world religions, Religions of Asia Today covers the same material as the second half of the authors' longer textbook, World Religions Today, Third Edition, while also featuring a unique chapter on Islam in Asia.
Revealing the significance of religion in contemporary life, Religions of Asia Today explores major religious traditions--Hinduism, Buddhism, East Asian Religions, Islam in Asia, indigenous religions, and new religions--as dynamic, ongoing forces in the lives of individuals and in the collective experience of modern societies. This unique volume accomplishes two goals; it connects today's religions to their classical beliefs and practices while also focusing on how these religions have responded to and been transformed by the modern world. The authors combine thorough coverage of the historical background of each religion with up-to-the-minute discussions of its current practices. Each chapter includes an "Encounter with Modernity" section that illustrates the tension between premodern views and modernity. The text is enhanced by numerous pedagogical aids--timelines, maps, illustrations, discussion questions, and a comprehensive glossary of key terms--and more than 100 illustrations and photographs. It also incorporates "Tales of Spiritual Transformation" boxes--which relate the stories of people whose lives have been changed by religious faith--and "Teachings of Religious Wisdom" boxes, which introduce primary source material.
Religions of Asia Today emphasizes the interconnectedness of faith, culture, politics, and society, providing a peerless examination of the diverse ways in which contemporary human beings are religious. An Instructor's Manual and a Companion Website at www.oup.com/us/esposito provide resources for both students and instructors.

Also available to suit your course needs:
World Religions Today, Third Edition (978-0-19-536563-4)
Religions of the West Today (978-0-19-537361-5) ... Read more

Product Description
Christian Scientists are trapped in a mindset that twists their perception of reality, teaches them to mistrust their physical senses, and short-circuits their ability to make informed, reasoned decisions regarding healthcare.

The Religion That Kills examines how people become ensnared in Christian Science and discusses how this religion can affect them emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The book also discusses Mary Baker Eddy – the founder of Christian Science – in terms of her leadership style, her claim to divine revelation, and her misuse of both secular and biblical language.

The Religion That Kills is a tool for recovering from the negative effects of Christian Science, for understanding Christian Science logic and terminology, for helping Christian Scientists objectively evaluate their religion, and for discussing biblical issues with Christian Scientists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Unbelievaly bias
This book plays on total sensationalism and has false information. Just because extremists take their understanding of religion and do drastic things by no means represents the whole.

the religion that kills
Well written and very informative. helped me understand people i know who are recovering from christian scientist cult/sect, whatever it is considered.thank you!

Exaggeratory, and Offensive
Let's cut to the chase.We all know that the title of this book was used simply to entice readers.The fact of the matter is, if you've ever known a Christian Scientist, they are very practical, loving people.They only wish the best for their families, and themselves.The religion is not a cult, people come and go as they wish.People are never punished for their beliefs unless they are directly putting down the church (membership can be revoked).Many Christian Scientists live by the philosophy "God does not keep score."They try their best to rely on healing, but Christian Scientists are NOT against going to the doctor if a condition persists.This book really tries to put C.S. in a box.Christian Scientists are like any other group of religious people.There are good ones, and there are bad ones.So why write a book full of anti-C.S. propoganda?Just to sell books.

Disappointing at best
This book is book is a sad attempt at the authors misguided pension for drama spreading.It holds nothing of what is at the heart of Christian Science, but sure has a catchy title.

A book of truth and eye opening!!!!!
This book does have a regrettable title, since it's content is purely based on books approved by the Christian Science Mother Church, by a former Christian Scientist.It is not a "bashing" book, but a truthful oversight into the reality of the Christian Science movement which I was regrettably raised in and have thank goodness, gotten away from not without guilt and mind control.I even sent a copy of this book to my mother, a former, devout Christian Scientist who has not completely rejected the religion and she devoured the book in three days, sighting me all sorts of examples of how the book was so true in her upbringing, and upbringing of myself and siblings.There is some very interesting information of Mary Baker Eddie herself, and plently of space leaving the ultimate question up to the reader.Is Christian Science a Religion That Kills, Mind Controlling, Cult.My answer after reading the book was only stronger and more informed than before, my opinion, yes.

... Read more

Product Description

For courses in World Religions, Comparative Religions, or Introduction to Religion.

Living Religions: A Brief Introduction 2/e provides an updated and concise introduction to what is living and significant in the religions of the modern world. This survey explores the historical development and teachings of traditional faiths, indigenous religions and new religious movements, and considers how the contemporary beliefs and practices of each of these traditions have evolved.

Customer Reviews (2)

Pray that Your Religion Course Doesn't Use This Book
Like the other poster, I didn't care for this textbook and wish that my school had used another. Why? Well,besides being so p.c. towards Islam, this book makes the claim that Darwinism is a belief in evolution.First of all, there is no such term as "Darwinism" in the scientific community.If you hear the word "Darwinism", there's about a 99.9% chance that you're dealing with a creationist.When we speak about the Law of Gravity we don't called it "Newtonism," do we? Also, one does not "believe" in evolution: he either accepts that the evidence is valid or not.No belief is required.
I noticed in the Hinduism chapter that the abuses against women and those of lower castes (often to the point of "honour killings" and sati, which is when a widow is forced to burn herself alive on her husband's dead body)are presented as prejudices of the past, even though these abuses continue to this day.
This book presents quite a bit inaccurate information and to top it, is written in a rather dry style. I didn't care for it, and I hope that instructors will choose better books in the future.

The most biased textbook I've ever seen
Writing a textbook on the major world religions is as easy as understanding the religions from the perspective of the adherents and conveying historical facts accurately. Ms. Fisher shows a flagrant bias throughout the textbook. For instance, the Bible is not called the Holy Bible, though that is its actual name. Yet she refers to the Quran as the Holy Quran, which is accurate as that is its actual title.

Ms. Fisher also appears to be wearing rose-colored glasses throughout the entire chapter on Islam. She actually suggests that the vast spread of Islam in its first 100 years was due to peaceful means. Her assertion is ridiculous and complete fiction to anyone who knows history. Even if you look at nothing other than Wikipedia, you will find that Islam spread massively in 100 years due to violent, non-provoked conquest and forced conversions. Since Islam is a form of government, you either converted to Islam or you were killed. In some areas, non-Muslims were allowed to live without civil rights and were forced to pay a subservience tax.

You can constrast the first 100 years with the history of Islam in Nubia. Nubia was able to consistently fend off Muslim conquest. It was only after 600 years of cross-religion marriages and ongoing contact with Muslim merchants that Islam made any inroads in Nubia. But it took 600 years!

Ms. Fisher also shows her anti-Christian and anti-Jewish bias throughout those chapters. She actually insinuates that mainstream scholars believe the Gospels were written pseudonymously. In reality, extremelly liberal scholars such as John A.T. Robinson believe that the Gospels were authored by the listed individuals and were written prior to A.D. 70. These scholars consider the fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the Temple at the hands of the Romans in A.D. 70 to be extremely significant in dating the books of the New Testament. The fact that this event occurred and when it occurred has been verified by many sources and is indisputable. Further, the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple are extremely significant events in Jewish and Christian history. These events surely would not have been overlooked for inclusion in the books of the New Testament. Since this cataclysmic event is not mentioned in any of the 27 books of the New Testament, then the books must have been written prior to A.D. 70. In addition, books of the New Testament talk about sacrifices still going on in the Temple. This could not be the case if the Temple was no longer standing.

Also in the Christianity chapter, Ms. Fisher states, "Throughout most of Christian history, there has been the belief that Jesus was the only incarnation of God." Evidently, the author does not think this doctrine was held by the early church, but rather that it developed in later centuries.(Such is a common liberal viewpoint.)The issue is not so much that Christians have thought there were additional "incarnations" of God.That has never been even hinted at in Christian doctrine.(The doctrine of the Trinity stated as "God in three persons" does not mean three "humans"!)

The author's point is best stated by removing the word "most"; though that would not reflect the opinion that the doctrine of the incarnation of Christ developed over the centuries (which is probably the true intent of the author).Also, please understand that when authors write of "Christian history," they are not referring to an era before the birth of the Church -- on Pentecost (after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven).Nor is the issue about what non-Christians believe about the incarnation which, of course, they would not believe in.

I could go and on with examples of the blatant bias and misleading information contained in this texbook. It is awful. ... Read more

Product Description
The new emphasis on spirituality in the workplace has been widely discussed in recent years and reported in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Fortune. Spirituality seems to be a basic human good essential for human flourishing. The contributors to this volume are all proponents of spirituality in the workplace, yet all raise important questions about this movement and what it means. What are the moral questions that should guide leaders? Is spirituality being treated as simply an instrumental good, valued for its usefulness in enhancing productivity and well-being? What are the responsibilities of business leaders? Of business schools and their faculty? Of churches? The essayists in this collection reflect on these and other pertinent questions.

The common thread linking these authors is that all have distinguished themselves in their respective fields or professions and all wish to advance spirituality in business. Contributors to Business, Religion, and Spirituality provide a sober, but positive, prognosis for this new growth in spirituality while offering direction for the future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wonderful Survey of Views on Ethical Business Practices
If you want to get a better handle on the philosophy of ethical business practices, I recommend this book. It is a collection of essays on business and ethics using Christianity as its framework. Modern secular arguments that religion does not belong in the workplace are quickly negated by the introductory example of Benedictine Monks who, it is stated, were the first to establish structured business practices and created wealth. The essays go on to point out that modern capitalism owes much to the ethics of Christianity for creating an environment that allows business practices to flourish and wealth to be created. In todays politically correct worklife I find it confusing to know how to resolve faith at work. In reading this book I learned that I do not need to leave my faith at home to engage in business, and in fact I can be better at both when I understand the supporting role each plays.

Related books includeAbsolute Honesty: Building a Corporate Culture That Values Straight Talk and Rewards Integrity as well as On Moral Business: Classical and Contemporary Resources for Ethics in Economic Life

A collection of thoughtful and thought-provoking essays
Expertly compiled and edited by Oliver F. Williams (Associate Professor of Management in the Mendoza School of business and Academic Director of the Century for Ethics and Religious Values in Business at the University of Notre Dame), Business, Religion, And Spirituality: A New Synthesis is a collection of thoughtful and thought-provoking essays by diverse learned authors concerning the meeting point between commercial workplace responsibility and personal spiritual values. Multiple faith perspectives are presented offering a uniquely balanced and informative amalgamation of a variety of issues directly relevant to physical world conduct and the spiritual realm considerations. Business, Religion, And Spirituality is strongly recommended reading for anyone concerned with the interaction of business principles and religious values, between pressing marketplace requirements and the demands of the conscience. ... Read more

Product Description

This book combines study of the dynamic historical development of each religious tradition with a comparative thematic structure. In this way, the book helps readers to explore each of the major religions as a unique and integral system of meaning and life. At the same time, readers are encouraged to discover and explore the nature of religious experience by comparing basic themes and issues common to all religions. Covering the religions arising from India, China, Japan, and the Mediterranean world, this book introduces the key dimensions of religious experience, outlining the basic human concerns that give rise to religious experience, such as origin and identity, ultimate reality, human nature, and the good life. For anyone interested in exploring the origins and development of the diverse religions of the world.

Customer Reviews (3)

Good product condition
Product was in good condition. Shipped within time allotted. No complaints :-) Would recommend seller!

Religion From All Six Dimensions
I teach comparative religion at a college level and I have found this book to be one of the best I have ever found. Ludwig gives the reader a comprehensive view of the major religions of the world from a spiritual as well as academic perspective. As far as I can see the book is organized around the six dimensions developed by Ninian Smart. Each religion can be analized from the experiential, the mythical, the ritual, the doctrinal, the ethical and the social dimensions, although Ludwig uses some other terms. This is a great resource to get more than a superficial understanding of the worlds sacred paths.

Excellent Resource
I bought this book in 1991 (it has been re-published since then, apparently) as the textbook for a world religions course.It is still on my shelves while others have come and gone. By constraining itself toonly the major religions, it gives each religion a full treatmentexplaining the significance of the principal characters in the context ofhistory and its indigenous culture as well as the dogma itself.This is anexcellent book if you are looking for a "survey" of the mostwidely practiced religious beliefs. ... Read more

Product Description
This title is suitable for ages 6 to 9 years. Religion is the belief in a power greater than oneself. Many people call this power God. This insightful book introduces children to the world's great religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Chinese traditional religion, Native American Indigenous beliefs, and non-religious spirituality. It looks at the origins, special heroes and teachers, basic beliefs, sacred texts and symbols, ways of worship, special days, rituals, works of art, and places of worship associated with each religion. The book also highlights the basic principles of religions such as truth, kindness, acceptance, peace, and love. Learning similar aspects of religions, such as prayer, worship, ritual, and celebration, helps foster greater understanding and respect. ... Read more

Product Description
Now in a second edition, this highly successful text offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to Western religious traditions. It provides in-depth coverage of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam. It also includes a chapter on the ancient world, which covers the religions of Greece and Rome, the ancient near East, and pre-Christian Europe. A chapter on "new horizons" examines past and current African religious traditions, Native traditions in the Americas, the Baha'i faith, and "New Age" religions. The concluding chapter on "traditions in contact" looks at such issues as bearing witness, missionary movements, and the role of religion in a pluralistic society.
World Religions: Western Traditions, 2/e combines a historically descriptive perspective with timelines, key terms, maps, text boxes, study questions, and annotated suggestions for further reading. This new edition includes a more lucid introduction; a second color and more maps; new study questions; and a new annotated bibliography. Ideal for undergraduate courses in Western religions, World Religions: Western Traditions, 2/e can also be used with its companion volume, World Religions: Eastern Traditions, 2/e in a general course on world religions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

The Best Textbook on World Religions
This is, quite simply, a magisterial work. Along with the companion Eastern Traditions volume, these are the finest two introductory textbooks available for world religions. Where possible, the authors of each chapter, in addition to being academic authorities, are also members of the traditions about which they write. I have used these books for several courses on world religions with great success. These are the kinds of textbooks that students keep, and make reference to them later in life.

Too Late
Book ordered for a college class, but took 5 weeks to arrive.Much TOO LATE!!! Had to buy another copy of book.Once book finally arrived, did return and sender very good about refunding money. Shipping method is awful!!! Be careful if you need materials in a timely matter.

In great condition
The product came when it was proposed to come. It was new and that is what I was requesting so there was no fishiness. I was pleased with the book.

Horrible
This is a really horrible textbook, it lacks any obvious method of organization and instead of picking out the most important points every detail is hit making it very hard to focus your attention. Also, if you aren't already familiar with this material you will spend a lot of time doing outside research so that you can clarify terms that are simply presented in this text. I would not recommend this book for anyone looking to learn anything, it simply won't happen.

Not good for university
This is a horrible text book for university. If you are taking a class using this book, drop it. The book is way too broad. The author seems to get way off topic in most paragraphs. Starts on one subject, talks about three others then concludes on something else. Scattered to say the least. Very difficult to learn from and I spent way too much time researching topics on the internet instead. ... Read more

Product Description

For courses in World Religions or Comparative Religions.

This introduction to the world's religions provides an orientation to the study of religion; surveys the stages of development, worldviews, and current situations of the major world religions; and discusses the ways these religions respond to contemporary ethical issues. It also presents a sampling of new religious movements and looks to the possible ways the world's religions may interact in the 21st century. Its distinctive “framework for understanding” religious worldviews allows students to compare and contrast the teachings of religions objectively.

Customer Reviews (2)

Good transaction
The book we ordered came well before the date it said it would.We were under a time crunch so it was great that it came so soon.Everything was as stated and we are prefectly happy with this purchase.

Very Good Condition
This book came in great condition.It was also filled with very useful information that is not opinionated, but open minded. ... Read more

Product Description
For a good two decades teachers and students of American religious history have turned to the two-volume "Documentary History of Religion in America" for the most significant primary sources from the nation's founding to the present. Both volumes in this landmark work here appear in an updated and expanded third edition. Carefully refurbished by renowned historian of American religion Mark Noll, these rich sourcebooks contain original documents — letters, sermons, court records, personal narratives, and more — that chronicle the drama of American religious history. This third edition updates all of the bibliographical essays, brings the second volume up to the present, and incorporates other documents that reflect recent scholarly concerns, such as the religious dimensions of the Civil War and religious developments among women and people of color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Primary source selections from the religions in and of America
A balanced selection of the diversity of religious expression found in America, from Native spirituality, to colonization, Colonial Days, Revolution, Great Awakening and Civil War. This book is a treasure of primary documentation of the great American (religious) experiment.

Sufficient
Got it in a timley fashion, needed that way because I needed it for class!! Thanks again! ... Read more

Product Description
In the twenty-first century, religious life is increasingly moving from churches, mosques and temples onto the Internet. Today, anyone can go online and seek a new form of religious expression without ever encountering a physical place of worship, or an ordained teacher or priest. The digital age offers virtual worship, cyber-prayers and talk-boards for all of the major world faiths, as well as for pagan organisations and new religious movements. It also abounds with misinformation, religious bigotry and information terrorism. Scholars of religion need to understand the emerging forum that the web offers to religion, and the kinds of religious and social interaction that it enables.

Religion and Cyberspace explores how religious individuals and groups are responding to the opportunities and challenges that cyberspace brings. It asks how religious experience is generated and enacted online, and how faith is shaped by factors such as limitless choice, lack of religious authority, and the conflict between recognised and non-recognised forms of worship. Combining case studies with the latest theory, its twelve chapters examine topics including the history of online worship, virtuality versus reality in cyberspace, religious conflict in digital contexts, and the construction of religious identity online. Focusing on key themes in this groundbreaking area, it is an ideal introduction to the fascinating questions that religion on the Internet presents. ... Read more

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Product Description

Adam Hamilton, named by PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly as one of the top “Ten People to Watch,” has created an inviting new series of video-and-book studies on love and marriage, life issues, world religions, and Christian denominations. Hamilton calls these small-group studies “fishing expeditions,” because they include tools for congregation wide and communitywide programs to draw in new members. Components include DVD, participant’s book, leader’s guide, and pastor’s guide with CD-ROM. 6-8 sessions / 60-90 minutes

Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling With Questions People Ask is a video-based small-group study and outreach program that explores four major world religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism – and compares the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. This six-week study deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions, including why we should believe the claims of Christianity over those of other faiths. As part of the study, author and presenter Adam Hamilton interviews a religious leader from each tradition. He treats the world religions with great respect, recognizing the unique contributions of each.

In examining these major world religions and the beliefs of their followers, the Reverend Hamilton urges us as Christians to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, love our neighbor, and find positive ways to share the gospel.

Customer Reviews (9)

Wonderful and Informative
This is a great book if you are at all interested in learning about other religious practices. We used it in a small group and I think everyone in the group learned something that they didn't know about World Religions and how they relate to Christianity. I have very much enjoyed reading Adam Hamilton's books and his videos along with the books are also enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.

book review
I am happy to say, I received the book the next week - in time for our study and to deliver it to the participants.Book was in very good condition and very reasonable since the book stores I checked with said 1)it would have to be ordered and cost was $18.00 because it was out of print. 2)if they ordered it would be longer than what I got from Amazon.
Thanks a bunch!

Outstanding Study resource
Adam Hamilton presents many thoughtful challenges about how Christians should view other world religions.The material provided a great resource for a 10 week Sunday School study including many dynamic discussion topics.In addition to providing a brief understandable summary of other'sbeliefs and practices, he provides many insightful comparisons with Christianity.There is also available a DVD video containing 5 15-minute presentations by Adam Hamilton and a guide which includes additional ideas for discussion. In an age when we are becoming more globally connected and encountering many more Americans of non-Christian faith, this book is recommended highly.

Insight and not Ignorance
This is a must read for Christians to learn about other faiths.It compares and contrasts other religions against christianity and offers insight into how other religions came about.I am still reading, but I have learned a lot already.It teaches how to love all!

Ecumenism through apologia
This book was the basis for a class I took at my United Methodist church in an 8-week series, which incorporated viewing the supplemental DVD, plus a 50-minute lecture each by 4 local religious experts: a rabbi, a Buddhist nun, an imam, and a professor of Hindu studies.

Subtitled "Wrestling with Questions People Ask", this book presupposes that the reader is a Christian who's curious about 4 other major world religions. The author states in his introduction "I believe that if Christianity does offer us the truth about God, it can withstand a serious study of other religions."

However, this book doesn't claim that it's a "serious study" in 133 pages; it merely introduces basic precepts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam from a framework where Christians can draw analogies from dogma with which they are most familiar.

Hamilton doesn't cite any other religious writings besides the Protestant Christian Bible. It left some of us in class wondering if this was through fear that directly quoting the Quran, Tao Te Ching, Vedas, or Talmud would misrepresent them "out of context", that it would be considered blasphemy, or that it would "proselytize" us to convert away from Methodism! We were frustrated that other scriptures/commentaries were not allowed to speak for themselves, but were filtered through Hamilton's conclusions.

The book isn't arranged according to the chronological emergence of the religions it discusses, but in an order that places Christianity in the easily defensible final position.

Hamilton on Hinduism: "In Hinduism, God is in everything and everything is part of God." The professor of Hindu studies who spoke to us refuted this by clarifying that Hindus believe we are not *part* of the Divine, not little separate god entities walking around; the Divine is everywhere. I understand it to mean we're more like windows or conduits to the Divine -- similar to Christians allowing others to see Christ through them.

Hamilton on Buddhism: "The ultimate goal of existence is a kind of extinction in which whatever is left of one's energy is snuffed out like a candle, dissipated into the universe." The Buddhist nun who spoke to our class addressed the impermanence of this world. I understand this as an idea emphasized in the Christian Bible that Hamilton couldn't relate to Buddhism; he interpreted it into a clumsy candle simile that frightens people attached to impermanent individualism.

Hamilton on Islam: "So the Quran speaks not of sparing the sword when enemies attack you, and killing them all if necessary." The imam who spoke to us said that particular controversial scripture refers to a battlefield instruction to warriors, not to non-warriors in times of peace. For me, it's equivalent to the Old Testament instruction to Elijah to kill the 450 prophets of Baal; a historical context that Hamilton applied to Christian scripture but failed to apply to the Muslim scripture.

Hamilton on Judaism: "For our Jewish friends, Jesus is a great teacher. He is a rabbi. He might even be a prophet. But he is not the Son of God." The rabbi who spoke to us refuted Hamilton's interpretation; rabbis did not exist during Christ's time, and Jews today don't believe Jesus was a prophet, because he lived during a time after Malachi, when God's word is no longer revealed through prophets, but through study of scripture.

The book concludes with a defense of Christianity and various "rational" illustrations and anecdotes to persuade people to become Christians, somewhat in the tradition of Christian apologetics, but without any deep philosophical or metaphysical arguments. The last chapter also reiterates the differences between Christianity and the other religions presented, reducing a broader sense of worldwide Ecumenism into a narrower sense of Christian Inclusivism.

This book gets a star for opening a dialogue about other religions and for encouraging Christians to respect and understand the basic tenets of other religions. It gets another star for the author admitting in his Introduction that he is not an expert and cannot be completely objective despite his best efforts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ian Myles Slater on A Classic Civilization, A Classic Study
"The Religion of China: Confucianism and Taoism" (original Free Press edition 1951) is one of a number of works by the German sociologist Max Weber (1864-1920) published in English translation only long after his death, during a post-World-War II boom in Anglo-American interest in his writing. Such interest has recurred at irregular intervals since (one marked by this 1968 paperback reprinting), and Weber's major works, including technical and methodological studies, apparently have all been translated. Initially familiar to readers of English only for his theories on the relation between the Protestant (mainly Calvinist) world-view and the capitalist "rationalization" of economic life ("The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism"), Weber gradually has been revealed as an explorer of the nature of human societies in many times and places.

Sinologists have given his studies of China (here and in a few essays published elsewhere) a somewhat mixed reception. On the one hand, it was an important example of China being taken seriously as major civilization, illustrating basic trends in human social behavior, instead of an exotic footnote ("Oriental Despotism," "The Oriental Mode of Production"). A product of Bismarck's Germany, Weber was acutely aware of the effects of bureaucracy, centralization of authority, and economic rationalization on traditional societies, and used China as a test case for his general theories. The religious responses to China's social and political order are a main, but not the only focus, and his treatment of both Confucianism and (mainly philosophical) Taoism as embodying genuine religious experiences was then unusual. Weber's mastery of the available translations and secondary literature is often mentioned as amounting to nearly a professional command of the field.

On the other hand, Weber *was* unable to consult the primary sources directly. He was acutely aware that much of his information came from missionaries with ideological biases; according to some, however, he often chose the *wrong* missionary to believe. He seriously underestimated the antiquity of some developments in Chinese government. His examples are sometimes wrong, sometimes not especially pertinent; and better ones are missing because he had no access to them. He accepted the view of Confucius as a sort of learned academic with an interest in ethical government (popular among some modern Chinese as well as westerners), without seeming to notice that he has often been regarded as a supernatural figure, a prophet, or, in Weber's own terms, a "charismatic" leader. And the study of Buddhism in China was in its infancy, and its transformative impacts on Confucian and Taoist thought and practice only beginning to be grasped. The study of the very complex history of Taoism *as a religion* is also mostly a more recent development.

Bearing these limits in mind, Weber's study remains fascinating. His suggested interpretations of Chinese society have set the terms for much research attempting to confirm or refute his ideas. He was sometimes wrong about both absolute and relative datings, but he recognized many important trends, and successfully framed them in larger contexts.

As very much an amateur in Chinese studies (with greater limits than Weber, and not nearly as industrious, but able to benefit from modern scholarship), I have long found the book illuminating; I just try to check it against recent studies. For those who are familiar with Weber only for "The Protestant Ethic" (and the attendant controversy), this volume, and its companions on "Ancient Judaism" and "The Religions of India," may come as a considerable surprise.

Those interested in the sociology of Chinese religion (rather than beliefs and practices) will want to take a look at a book by C.K. Yang, the author of the Introduction to this translation. Yang's "Religion in Chinese Society: A Study of Contemporary Social Functions of Religion and Some of Their Historical Factors" (originally University of California Press, 1961) provides information on Chinese religion in relation to government policies, and community and family structures, with documentation for specific regions. I consider it a complement, not a substitute, for Weber, because several chapters are probably too statistical to make it attractive to many readers. Yang also assumes familiarity with a body of professional sociological thought that Weber was still establishing. Of course, it too is beginning to show its age.

(Reposted from my "anonymous" review of September 14, 2003) ... Read more