An introductory textbook looking at the twelve major world religious traditions. Each religion is considered in three equal parts: its history, beliefs and practices. In an introductory book such as this, only a broad description is given, and it will undoubtedly apply more to the majority tradition than a small subgroup within it. However the book is written with subgroups and further subdivisions in mind, and aims to be as inclusive as possible in its descriptions of histories, beliefs and practices.

The rise of fundamentalism in the three monotheistic faiths is fully examined in this textbook. It is not about fundamentalism however, but it is about its opposite trend: religious syncretism. Syncretism describes the phenomenon of one religion borrowing elements from another, and it is part of religion that fundamentalists will seldom acknowledge.

SCM's Core Text on Religion and Modern Thought examines in detail the relationship between religion and modern and post-modern thought and culture. The book provides an introduction to the extremely wide variety of forms of religious thought and examines how, in the West, adherents of Judaism, Christianity and Islam have responded to the impact of modernity upon religion, either by attempting to restructure their religious belief systems or by asserting a uniquely modern form of religious 'traditionalism'.

Here eight different religions join together in peace to pray for peace. Under the auspices of the interfaith organization, The Week of Prayer for World Peace, they bring home vividly the love that is God and the horror that is war. It is not only inner peace - tranquility of soul and mind - which is being sought here, but an end to agony and bloodshed, physical and psychological torture, abuse of every kind taking place in the world of men, women and children.