This complete overview of religious studies provides students with the essential knowledge and tools they need to explore and understand the nature of religion.

• Covers the early development of religion, with overviews of major and minor religions from Islam to Scientology
• Considers recent developments including secularization; the relationship between religion and science; and scientific studies on religion, health, and mystical experience
• Uses humor throughout, allowing students to remain open-minded to the subject
• Explains what it means to study religion academically, and considers the impact of the study of religion on religion itself
• Contains numerous student-friendly features including photos, maps, time lines, side bars, historical profiles, and population distribution figures
• Provides classroom users with a lively website,www.wiley.com/go/religiontoolkit, including questions, quizzes, extra material, and helpful primary and secondary sources