Eerdman's handbook to the world's religions / [Pat Alexander, organizing editor].

Includes index.

The development of religion. The study of religion ; Religion before history ; Origins of religion -- Ancient religions. Land of the Aztecs and Incas : America before Columbus ; Cradle of civilization : the ancient Near East ; Ancient Egypt : land of the priest-king ; The cosmic battle : Zoroastrianism ; The ancient religions of Greece and Rome ; The old gods : religions of northern Europe ; Nomads of the steppes -- The primal religions. World of the spirits ; Christianity and the primal religions -- Living religions of the East. The eternal teaching : Hinduism ; Roots : the development of the Hindu religion ; Approaches to truth : the great interpreters ; Concepts of Hinduism ; Hindu worship and the festivals ; Religion of the gurus : the Sikh faith ; Respect for all life : Jainism ; The Enlightened One : Buddhism ; Sages and immortals : Chinese religions ; A tapestry of traditions : Japanese religions ; Unity and peace : the Baha'i faith -- People of a book. Chosen people : Judaism ; Story of a nation ; Branches of Judaism ; Developments in Judaism ; The influence of Judaism ; Life in a Jewish family ; Islam : the way of the Prophet ; The worship of Islam ; The law of Islam ; Science, art and culture in Islam ; The unity and variety in Islam ; Islam in today's world -- Christianity : Christ at the centre. Jesus ; The new community of the church ; Christian beliefs ; The final authority of Christ ; The Bible ; Christian worship ; The Christian life -- Religion in today's world. The challenge of secular ideologies ; The spiritual search ; A plural society -- Rapid fact-finder.