Book recommendations

The Dalai Lama's message of peace and compassion resonates with people of all faiths and none. But for all his worldwide fame, he remains personally elusive. "The Dalai Lama" recounts an astounding odyssey, from isolated Tibetan village to global standing as spiritual and political leader of a profound and complex cultural tradition.

In "A History of the Bible", John Barton shows how the Bible is indeed an importance source of religious insight for Jews and Christians alike, yet argues that it must be read in its historical context -- from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries.

In twelve fiercely funny, mind-expanding chapters, Richard Dawkins explains how the natural world arose without a designer -- and challenges head-on some of the most basic assumptions made by the world's religions. Dissecting everything from Abraham's abuse of Isaac to the construction of a snowflake, "Outgrowing God" is a concise, provocative guide to thinking for yourself.

In "The Age of Atheists", acclaimed historian Peter Watson offers a sweeping narrative of the secular philosophers and poets, psychologists and scientists, painters and playwrights, novelists and even choreographers who have forged a thrilling, bold path in the absence of religious belief.

Rabbi Steinberg identifies seven strands that weave together to make up Judaism: God, morality, rite and custom, law, sacred literature, institutions, and the people. A classic work directed to both the Jewish and the non-Jewish reader.

Exploring the beliefs, history and politics of the ordinary people of Muslim countries, Grieve cuts through the complexities as he examines all aspects of Islam. He also addresses the big issues: can Islam support true democracy? Is true democracy what the West really wants for Muslim countries or are we merely seeking a cover of legitimacy for a policy of "might is right"?

An engrossing and definitive narrative account of history and myth, "The Hindus" offers a new way of understanding one of the world's oldest major religions. Hinduism does not lend itself easily to a strictly chronological account. This groundbreaking work elucidates the relationship between recorded history and imaginary worlds, the inner life and the social history of Hindus.

Featuring a unique, consistent, and modular chapter structure --"Teachings," "History," and "Way of Life" -- and numerous pedagogical features, "Invitation to World Religions", Third Edition, invites students to explore the world's great religions with respect and a sense of wonder.

Bringing together fifteen essays by outstanding Buddhist scholars from Asia, Europe, and North America, this book offers a distinctive portrayal of the ""life of Buddhism."" The contributors focus on a number of religious practices across the Buddhist world, from Sri Lanka to New York, Japan to Tibet.

This engaging history introduces the great thinkers in Western philosophy and explores their most compelling ideas about the world and how best to live in it. In forty brief chapters, Nigel Warburton guides us on a tour of the major ideas in the history of philosophy.

Christopher Hitchens continues to make the cause for a splendidly godless universe in this first-ever gathering of the influential voices -- past and present -- that have shaped his side of the current (and raging) God/no-God debate. With Hitchens as your erudite and witty guide, you'll be led through a wealth of philosophy, literature, and scientific inquiry.

Philosophy is a singularly expansive enterprise, a fascinating outgrowth of a human nature that demands we question who and why we are. In "A Short History of Philosophy", Robert Solomon and Kathleen Higgins meet the challenge of accurately and engagingly describing it all.