Home-grown Religions: a Guide to the Study of World's Religions

This is an introductory course book for beginners in the study of comparative religions. It takes into account the claim that some religions are home-grown as opposed to "imported religions". Ancient religions such as Egyptian, Roman, Greece, Mesopotamian, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and African religion are case studied to show how some influenced the major religions such as Islam and Christianity. Likewise, Baha'i, and Rastafarian religions have also featured in order to draw an informed analysis. It begins by exploring the various dimensions of religion; the key pillars; the functions and tasks to our contemporary society; the common elements; the parameters and the demarcating lines in religious discourses across the world; and the theories of religion. Others issues include: classifications of religions, the nature of home-grown religions; the monotheistic religions of the Near East, and the case studies of selected religious founders. As a study guide and companion, it is a necessary text book for all students of religion across the continents; published in a simplified form for all beginners in the study of religion.