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Religion and science are arguably the two most powerful social forces in the world today. But where religion and science were once held to be compatible. many people now perceive them to be in conflict. This unique book provides the best available introduction to the burning debates in this controversial field. Examining the defining questions and controversies. renowned expert Philip Clayton presents the arguments from both sides. asking readers to decide for themselves where they stand:

• science or religion. or science and religion?

• history and philosophy of science

• the role of scientific and religious ethics – modifying genes. extending life. and experimenting with human subjects

• religion and the environmental crisis

• the future of science vs. the future of religion.

Thoroughly updated throughout. this second edition explores religious traditions from around the world and provides insights from across the sciences. making this book essential reading for all those wishing to come to their own understanding of some of the most important debates of our day.

Now in its second edition. Islam: The Basics provides an introduction to the Islamic faith. examining the doctrines of the religion. the practises of Muslims and the history and significance of Islam in modern contexts. Key topics covered include:

the Qur’an and its teachings
the life of the Prophet Muhammad
gender. women and Islam
Sufism and Shi’ism
Islam and the western world
non-Muslim approaches to Islam.
With updated further reading. illustrative maps and an expanded chronology of turning points in the Islamic world. this book is essential reading for students of religious studies and all those new to the subject of Islam.

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.

Buddhism: The Basics provides a thorough and accessible introduction to a fascinating religion. Examining the historical development of Buddhism and its presence today. this guide covers:

principal traditions
practices and beliefs
ethical guidelines and philosophy
religious texts
community
With helpful features including a detailed map of the Buddhist world. glossary of terms and tips for further study. this is an ideal text for students and interested readers wanting to familiarise themselves with the Buddhist faith.

Cathy Cantwell is an academic researcher at the Oriental Institute. University of Oxford. She specialises in Tibetan Buddhism. and has worked on eleventh century manuscripts. an eighteenth century scriptural collection. and contemporary Buddhist ritual manuals and practice. She has taught widely in UK Higher Education and is joint author of Early Tibetan Documents on Phur pa from Dunhuang.

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.