Anatomy of the Sacred ; An Introduction to Religion (6th Edition)

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Book Description

Dive into the captivating realm of religious exploration with “Anatomy of the Sacred: An Introduction to Religion, 6th Edition,” skillfully authored by James Livingston. This illuminating edition takes readers on an enlightening journey through the diverse dimensions of religion, offering a comprehensive understanding of its intricate phenomena, beliefs, and practices. With scholarly precision and insightful perspectives, James Livingston guides readers through the complexities of religion in a way that is accessible, engaging, and deeply enlightening.

Spanning a rich tapestry of topics, this edition is thoughtfully organized into four distinct parts, each unlocking a unique facet of religious understanding:

• Part I: The Study of Religion
  Delve into the fundamental question of “What is Religion?” as Livingston probes the core essence of this intricate phenomenon. He skillfully examines the diverse “Ways of Studying Religion,” shedding light on the myriad approaches that scholars and enthusiasts employ to dissect and comprehend religious practices and beliefs.
• Part II: Universal Forms of Religious Experience and Expression
  Through this section, readers are invited to explore the universality of religious experience. Livingston navigates the domains of “The Sacred and the Holy,” “Sacred Symbol, Myth, and Doctrine,” “Sacred Ritual,” “Sacred Scripture,” and “Society and the Sacred,” unraveling the intricate threads that connect religious reverence, symbolism, ritual, texts, and social dynamics.
• Part III: Universal Components of a Religious Worldview
  Within this segment, readers embark on an intellectual journey through the core components of religious worldviews. “Deity: Concepts of the Divine and Ultimate Reality,” “Cosmogony: Origins of the Natural and Social Order,” “Views of the Human Problem,” “Theodicy: Encountering Evil,” “Ethics: Patterns of Moral Action,” and “Soteriology: Ways and Goals of Salvation and Liberation” are all deftly explored, providing readers with an encompassing view of the intricate philosophical underpinnings that shape religious thought.
• Part IV: The Sacred and the Secular in Modernity
  This section brings the exploration into the contemporary context, examining the interplay between the “Sacred and the Secular.” Through “Secularization,” “New Religious Revitalization Movements,” and “Contemporary Religious Fundamentalism,” Livingston navigates the dynamic relationships between religion, modernity, and evolving belief systems. Additionally, the book confronts the pressing “Contemporary Challenges to Traditional Religion,” such as the roles of women and the complex interface between religion and the state.

In “Anatomy of the Sacred: An Introduction to Religion, 6th Edition,” James Livingston combines academic rigor with engaging prose, providing readers with a captivating exploration of religious diversity, evolution, and relevance in today's complex world. This edition stands as an invaluable resource, inviting both scholars and curious minds to delve into the complex tapestry of human spirituality and understanding across cultures and eras.