This popular introduction to the world's religions provides a comprehensive survey of the major religious traditions together with selected primary readings. The text focuses on the beliefs and values that animate each religion, helping students to understand what makes them meaningful to their followers. For the second edition, the text has been fully revised and now features: - -Updated material throughout, building on the success of the first edition -A complete new chapter on Sikhism, including selected supporting texts -Additional material on each religion's ethics and their encounter with the modern world -Improved visual design, with extensive student aids including revised maps, timeline and charts -Chapter-by-chapter discussion and test questions, summaries, and suggestions for further reading. Assuming no prior knowledge, The Major Religions is the ideal introduction for students who are approaching the subject for the first time. The second edition is supported by a website at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/burke featuring additional resources for lecturers and students.

T. Patrick Burke was for many years Professor of Religion at Temple University.