The Religions Book

Big Ideas Simply Explained

By: DK

Narrated by: James Bryce

This essential guide to religion, narrated by James Bryce, explains the key tenets and big ideas behind the world's five main religions - Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism - alongside newer faiths.

The Religions Book clearly explains the key concepts behind the earliest religious beliefs right up to the world's newest faiths, getting to the heart of what it means to believe with jargon-free descriptions that encapsulate every aspect of religious thinking. Examine major historical developments and ideas with a universal timeline, providing a global perspective on the origins and major events that have contributed to the growth and spread of religion and spirituality.

Along with the teaching highlights of pre-eminent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Saint Paul, and Al-Ghazali, you'll also find a handy reference section featuring a roadmap to all the branches of the major faiths and the points of doctrine or tradition on which they differ. Modern alternative religions and spiritual beliefs from around the world are also explored and set into the context of the political, social, and cultural climates from which they emerged.

Compelling and accessible, The Religions Book audiobook is the perfect guide for students of religious studies, or anyone interested in the ideas of ancient and present-day faiths and religious philosophies.

© 2013 Dorling Kindersley Ltd © 2019 DK Audio

Critic reviews

"[The Big Ideas Simply Explained books] are beautifully illustrated with shadow-like cartoons that break down even the most difficult concepts so they are easier to grasp. These step-by-step diagrams are an incredibly clever learning device to include, especially for visual learners." – Examiner.com

"[The Religions Book is] at once egalitarian and open-minded, ideal for a visually oriented student of religion or anyone interested in scrambling up the mountainside of human spirituality and taking in the panoramic views." – BookPage

Often repetitive information got a bit tedious,

The audiobook at 16 1/2 hours, there was a lot covered, but sometimes I really wanted more and instead got a synopsis of what I had just heard. The repetitive information got a bit tedious. Overall, a good overview to provide basic background, beliefs, and timeline. Learned a lot and it did answer some questions I had, although not sure I will retain it all. I liked the quality of the narration. The "Directory" chapter, while mostly repeating what was already said, is at least a concise listing for reference.

Good Luck

Very good book..simply just facts and how things came about. But to find were you belong as in faith, religion, your journey in finding God I wish you the best of luck.

I’m a better person after listening to this

The whole of modern humanity needs to listen to this audiobook. It will promote more love and acceptance of each other and help people find belief systems that will empower them from the depths of their soul. Thank you to DK for producing this audiobook.

A Great Overview to Learn Different Religions

Plenty of details in each explanation. I wanted to learn more about the religions of the world, and I did!

JW beliefs explanation wrong

I bought this book to get a better enlightenment of other religions. I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and I was curious cause I knew the book spoke briefly on the religion what it said. While I can’t speak on other religions and their explanations in the book, I am very familiar with JW beliefs and the book did not give an accurate explanation at all! JW’s DO NOT believe ONLY a select 144,000 will be saved. Also, while they do not believe in the trinity, The Holy Spirit is seen as God’s active force, a lot stronger and complicated than likening it to “gravity”. Another thing “Jehovah” isn’t some name for God plucked out the sky look in any KJV Bible Exodus 6:2,3 and Psalms 83:13 tells you what God’s NAME is and if you look for yourself you’ll see that’s where Jehovah came from. While I’m not a practicing witness, being raised and very familiar with the beliefs it bothers me peoples ignorance and assumptions of the religion; and considering this is a book that touches on the synopsis of varies religions the fact JWs was totally wrong and misinterpreted in its explanation gives me pause about the accuracy of other religions spoken on in this book. Especially the ones briefly explained.