This unique introduction takes a careful look at the role of religion and the spiritual dimension in the real world. Conversational in tone, but built on a solid foundation of knowledge, it covers an enormous range of issues in a succinct and straightforward style, from the origins of religious belief to the future of religion in today's spiritual landscape. Drawing on history, theology, sociology, philosophy and the words of great thinkers old and new, this lively little volume also presents such key ideas as:

One God or many gods - is less really more?

High days and holy days - the role of festivals and festivities around the world

The life after this life - religion, death, and what may lie beyond.

Whether beginning to believe, beginning to wonder or simply beginning to think, this Beginner's Guide to Religion will both inform and stimulate as it introduces the timeless human truths behind our common spiritual quests.

Content - acknowledgements, introduction, one what is religion?, two is anyone or something there?, three how the transcendent sees us and we see the transcedent, four the good life, five religion in the new millennium,  bibliography, index