Religions of the World provides a rich, in-depth look at five major religions that have shaped human culture and spiritual life and fostered both conflict and peace throughout the recorded history of humanity. The social relevance and impact of each religion on family and community life is highlighted with quotations from practitioners from around the world, demonstrating the variety and power of faith in the world today. Illustrated with full-color photographs, museum-quality art, and maps that show the origins, dissemination, and current distribution of each religion, Religions of the World is an essential resource for understanding the diversity of beliefs, history, and practices of today's major world religions.