Religious Studies: Books

Mircea Eliade's Encyclopedia of Religion is widely regarded as the standard reference work in the field. Preserving the best of Eliade's cross-cultural approach while emphasizing religion's role within everyday life and as a unique experience from culture to culture, this new edition will be the definitive work in the field for the 21st century. This is an indispensable resource. Also available Online

This monumental, four-volume reference overviews significant events and developments in religious history over the course of more than five millennia.

This book provides a thorough introduction to historical and contemporary issues in American religion, tackling controversial hot-button topics such as abortion, Intelligent Design, and Scientology. Includes primary documents that provide firsthand accounts of issues and events.
Also available Online

Offers reliable knowledge about women's diverse faith practices throughout history and prehistory, and across cultures.

An indispensable resource for exploring food and faith, offering information on food-related religious beliefs, customs, and practices from around the world.

A rich and colorful history of religion from humanity's earliest days to our own contentious times. In an era of hardening religious attitudes and explosive religious violence, this book offers a welcome antidote.

Was the United States founded as a Christian nation or a secular democracy? Neither, argues Philip Gorski in American Covenant. What the founders actually envisioned was a prophetic republic that would weave together the ethical vision of the Hebrew prophets and the Western political heritage of civic republicanism.

A comprehensive introduction to the world's religions, including history, beliefs, worship practices, and contemporary expressions.

In What Is Islam?, Ahmed presents a bold new conceptualization of Islam that challenges dominant understandings grounded in the categories of "religion" and "culture" or those that privilege law and scripture. A book that is certain to provoke debate and significantly alter our understanding of Islam.

Learn about the history and traditions of the Islamic faith in The Islam Book