The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions

Emphasising 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.

This book is fantastic and I would readily recommend it to anyone with even the slightest interest in religion, be it as an object of study or as some personal guidance. Smith writes enthusiastically about all of the religions he discusses here, which instantly gives the reader a sense of what's so great about being a Taoist, Buddhist, Jew, etc.. Personally, the chapters on Asian rEligion appealed most to me. This book has got me interested in Buddhism, and I am certainly going to study this religion more. I am very grateful for this introduction into the world religions. It is written in a manner that is both informal and objective. because of this it deserves to be known as one of the best introductions to world religion.

One of the best guides out there on many of the kinds of religions that exist in the world.
Smith's treatment of indigenous, animistic, pagan, and traditional practices were less complete than I had hoped to find.

Just what I was looking for. A brief but concise summary of the main religions in the world. This is a book that everyone would benefit by reading. One goal, different ways of getting there. It's that simple.

An excellent book outlining the major world religions and their more prominent denominations. A good starting point when first learning about religions in general, each religion getting a brief overview but still enough detail to see a bit of depth in each.

This book is a wonderful book for comparative religions. It doesn't feel like one is more favored over another, and it treats the history of all the religions equally. I respect Smith for being able to talk about the good and bad sides of religion without favoring the easy ones.

Great introduction to the world's major religious traditions, putting each in it's historical context which really aids in gaining some understanding and appreciation of them.