This resource book speaks of all the major religions of the world. It deals with theological, philosophical, and religious traditions of the world religions. The central idea deals with beliefs, practices and fundamental values of each religion. It also highlights the need of different theological and philosophical concepts for interfaith or interreligious dialogues, to have a peaceful co-existence. The author affirms that irrespective of vital philosophical variations every religion has the same potential to create good human beings.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Section One: Judaism
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. What is Judaism?
B. Denominations and Sects
II. BELIEFS
A. Jewish Writings
B. Doctrines and Teachings
C. Symbols and Significance
III. PRACTICES
A. Ten Commandments and Mosaic Law
B. Levites and Priests
C. Offerings
D. Feasts and Festivals
E. Kings and Prophets
F. Tabernacle, Synagogue and Temples
G. Customs and Manners
Section Two: Christianity
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. What is Christianity?
B. Who are Christians?
C. Founder
D. Denominations
II. BELIEFS
A. Disciples and Apostles
B. The Scripture
C. Definition and Explanation of Theology
D. Kinds of Theology
E. Doctrines
F. Doctrine of Demons
III. PRACTICES
A. Church Discipline
B. Mission Activities
C. Celebrations
D. Marriage and Divorce
E. Burial Customs
Section Three: Hinduism
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. Meaning and Definition
B. Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic Period
C. Aims: Purusharthas
D. Sects
II. BELIEFS
A. Scripture
B. The Four Ways: Margas
C. Symbols and Significance
D. Philosophical Doctrines
III. PRACTICES
A. Caste System and the Four Stages
B. Ritual Ceremonies
C. Festivals
D. Women's Role and Status
E. Marriage and Divorce
F. Monk: Sadhu
G. Priest
H. Temples and Pilgrimage Sites
I. Customs/Traditions and Manners
Sction Four: Islam
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. Meaning of Islam and Muslim
B. The Life and Work of Muhammad (A.D. 570-A.D. 632)
C. The Successors of Muhammad for Islam: Caliphas
D. Major Sects
II. BELIEFS
A. The Foundation of Islam
B. The Teachings and Faith
C. Symbols and Significance
III. PRACTICES
A. Five Pillars of Islam
B. Mosque: Masjid
C. Holy War: Jihad
D. Women, Marriage and Divorce
E. The Law: Shari'a
F. Festivals and Ritual Ceremonies
G. Death and Funeral Service
H. Traditional Manners and Customs
Section Five: Buddhism
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. What is Buddhism?
B. Life of Gautama Siddhartha
C. Sects and Philosophical Schools
II. BELIEFS
A. Scriptures
B. The Teachings
III. PRACTICES
A. Monks and their Duties: Monastic Life
B. The Customs and Manners
C. The Festivals and Rituals and Ceremonies
D. Women, Marriage and Divorce
Section Six: Jainism
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. What is Jainism?
B. Life of Vardhamana Mahavira
C. Tirthankaras
D. Sects
II. BELIEFS
A. Scriptures
B. The Teachings
III. PRACTICES
A. Ahimsa
B. Rituals and Festivals
C. Five Great Vows (Maha-vratas)
D. Self-Regulations: Samitis
E. Role and Status of Women
F. Marriage and Divorce
Section Seven: Sikhism
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. What is Sikhism?
B. Life of Guru Nanak
C. Name of Sikh Gurus
D. Sects
II. BELIEFS
A. Scripture
B. Teachings
III. PRACTICES
A. Three Duties
B. Pilgrimage
C. Customs and Manners and Festivals
D. Women and Divorce
Section Eight: Zoroastrianism
I. A BRIEF BACKGROUND
A. What is Zoroastrianism?
B. Life of Zoroaster
C. Sects and Schools
II. BELIEFS
A. Scripture
B. Teachings
III. PRACTICES
A. Fundamental Moral Principles
B. Customs, Rituals and Festivals
C. Priests
Appendix One: Religion Chart
Appendix Two: Differences between Jesus Christ, Mohammed and Gautama Buddha
Bibliography
M. K. Koshilning Maring (ThM, PhD in Religion & Philosophy) hails from Maring Naga tribe of Manipur. Currently he is serving as Academic Dean cum Professor in Religion & Philosophy at Chil Chil Global University. He has served as Professor (cum Academic Dean) at Agape College and International Theological College & Seminary, Dimapur, Nagaland. He is the author of Tribal Religion and Oikonomia Bible Quiz. He and his wife, S. Anania Aimol live at CHAMS campus, Kanglatongbi, Manipur.
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