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The Bible: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the Bible as both a sacred text. central to the faith of millions. and a classic work of Western literature. containing a tapestry of genres. voices. perspectives. and images. This guide skilfully addresses both aspects of the Bible’s character by exploring:

the rich variety of literary forms. from poetry to prophecy and epistles to apocalypses;
the historical. geographic. and social context of the Bible;
contemporary attitudes to the Bible held by believers and non-believers;
the status of biblical interpretation today.
The second edition has been updated throughout and includes maps and detailed suggestions for further reading. This is an ideal starting point for people of any faith. or none. who are studying the Bible in any setting or who simply want to know more about the best-selling book of all time.

Hinduism: The Basics introduces readers to the third largest. and arguably the oldest. living religious tradition. It opens a vista into the rich and dynamic ethos of the Hindu religious tradition in India and other parts of the world. The book explores the variety of philosophical schools. priestly rituals. and popular practices common in the Hindu faith. presenting the layered diversity of its traditions and how they function in everyday life.

Chapters unpack key concepts from the tradition and discussions about its various aspects. including:

The historical development of Hinduism
Religious practices such as pilgrimage. meditation. and life cycle rituals
The organisation of Hindu society into castes and related social justice issues
The spread of Hinduism around the world. the rise of Hindu nationalism. and other challenges of modernity
The continuum between sacred texts in both elite Sanskrit and in South Asian vernacular languages
Hindu worldviews including karma. reincarnation. and ethics
The vitality of indigenous cultures in every form of Hinduism
Featuring glossaries. timelines. suggestions for further reading. and a list of key deities as well as practices. this is an ideal introduction to Hindu beliefs and traditions for undergraduates and others new to the study of Hinduism.

Death and Religion: The Basics provides a thorough and accessible introduction to dying. death. grief. and conceptions of the afterlife in world religions.

It leads readers through considerations of how we understand meanings of death and after-death. and the theories and practices attached to these states of being. with recourse to various religious worldviews: Judaism. Islam. Christianity. Hinduism. Sikhism. Buddhism. Chinese Religions. and Native American belief systems. This inter-religious approach provides a rich. dynamic survey of varying and evolving cultural attitudes to death. Topics covered include:

Religious perspectives of “the good death”
Grief. bereavement. and mourning
Stages and definitions of death
Burial. cremation. and disposition
Remembrance rituals
Religious theories of the afterlife
Death and technology
Featuring a glossary. suggestions for further reading in each chapter and key terms. this is the ideal text for students approaching the intersection of death and religion for the first time. and those in the fields of religious studies. thanatology. anthropology. philosophy. and sociology.

Bahá’í Faith: The Basics provides a thorough and accessible introduction to a fascinating. independent world religion. Examining its historical development. current “community-building” efforts and the social contributions of the Bahá’í Faith in the world today. this introduction covers:

Beliefs: Bahá’í spiritual teachings
Principles: Bahá’í social teachings
History: Bahá’u’lláh and his covenant.
Scripture: Bahá’í sacred texts and inspired guidance
Institutions: The Bahá’í Administrative Order
Building community: What Bahá’ís do
Social action: Bahá’í social and economic development projects
Public discourse: The Bahá’í International Community
Vision: Foundations for a future golden age
With features including a glossary of terms. and references to the Bahá’í writings throughout. this is the ideal text for students and interested readers wanting to familiarize themselves with the Bahá’í Faith.

Atheism: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to belief in the non-existence of deities. Atheism has long fascinated people but debate around this controversial position may seem daunting. In this lively and lucid book. Graham Oppy addresses the following important questions:

• What does it mean to be an atheist?

• What is the difference between atheism. agnosticism. theism and innocence?

• How has atheism been distributed over time and place?

• What does science tell us about atheism?

• Are there good reasons to be an atheist?

• Are there good reasons not to be an atheist?

• What do we mean by ‘new atheism’?

With a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading throughout. the book considers key philosophical arguments around atheism. making this an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a full introduction to the arguments between those who hold atheistic beliefs and those who do not.