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For anyone curious about matters religious, this sweeping volume is chock full of information.

Its handy size and comprehensive content make The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers a must-have reference for the introductory study of religion and a beacon for every reader who seeks his or her own holy grail. Five hundred-plus pages explore 300 key religious figures, prophets, deities, places, and scriptures that play important roles in the major religions of the world. Author Jim Willis respectfully explains terms and concepts as they relate to their respective belief systems, whether mainstream, pagan, or cultish.

The Religion Book expertly explains the similarities, differences, original ideologies of believers, and skeptics from around the world while examining the big questions such as Are Nirvana and Heaven the same? Who are the Raelians, and why are they cloning people? What’s the difference between Christian Scientists and Jehovah’s Witnesses? What do dogma, karma, and feng shui mean? Devils, ghosts, the afterlife-do they really exist? If killing’s a sin, why are there jihads? With 100 photographs, a list of additional resources, and a helpful index, it is the go-to resource for all ages seeking easy-to-understand answers to the most asked-about religious topics. The Religion Book is perfect for students, believers, and skeptics alike.

Jim Willis, a minister with the United Church of Christ, serves as adjunct professor of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies at Mt. Wachusett Community College.