Exploring the Religions of Our World allows students to build on their understanding and experience of the Catholic Christian faith by studying different religious traditions. The text begins with a study of Judeo-Christian history, practice, and tradition before expanding to the study of other less familiar religions including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. The text moves on to uncover a variety of religious traditions that sprang from America's Protestant roots including Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Each chapter begins with an introduction that connects each religion to a contemporary person, practice, or teaching. A brief history follows, including information on the founder and other major figures in each respective religion. Other sections include those on scripture or major writings, beliefs and practices, and sacred places and sacred times. Each chapter ends with a Catholic apologetic focus and includes a look at ecumenical or interreligious dialogue between the Catholic Church and each particular religion. Similarities and distinctions in doctrines, traditions, and practices are also explored.
