This new Annual Editions reader provides a compilation of current articles from public press sources. These selections address the foundations of religion, alternative paths, and religion in the modern world -including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Judaism. A student Web site, Dushkin Online (http://www.dushkin.com/online) provides a newsfeed, links to related sites, and more!

UNIT 1. Understanding Religion

Worldviews: Crosscultural Explorations of Human Beliefs, Prentice Hall, 1999

In order for students to undertake a comparative study of the religions of the world, certain presuppositions need to be suspended, and certain cross-cultural considerations must be made. The goal is for students to learn a "structured empathy” that will open them to a greater understanding of religion.

American Anthropologist, June 1956

The ritual beliefs and taboos of the Nacirema provide a fascinating example of the difficulty in understanding others' beliefs and practices.

McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, September 2000

Rituals, taboos, and fetishes play important roles in the way people interact with the world around them. From the fisherman of the Trobriand Islands to professional baseball players in America, individuals often look to such devices to magically improve their chances for success in life.

The Intrareligious Dialogue, Paulist Press, 1978

The author posits that, just as a good translator needs to understand a native speaker's insight into a language, in the same way a student of religion needs to understand a tradition from a believer's point of view. The goal should be to learn and appreciate each tradition's unique characteristics.

UNIT 2. Oral and Indigenous Religions

Parabola, February 1999

For Australian Aborigines, the Sun Mother is responsible for the creation of the world by waking it at the beginning of time. She gave it to the first woman and the first man, calling it their "Dreaming.” Each morning she renews creation.

Spider Woman Stories: Legends of the Hopi Indians, University of Arizona Press, 1979

In a Hopi creation myth, the original two beings were the Sun God and the Earth Goddess. From them came all other things that exist, including Earth.

The Brookings Register, February 21, 2002

What makes a people, a nation, distinct from all others? In the case of the Finns, it was the Kalevala, an epic poem filled with magic, drama, and romance.

Parabola, August 1982

Native American beliefs and practices focus largely on connectedness, with each other and with the world around them. These connections are created and maintained through rituals such as the smoking of a pipe or a painting in the sand.

Parabola, February 1999

A veve is a sacred symbol of African origin that is used by the practitioners of Haitian Vodoun. Drawn on the ground, each veve is used as a conduit between humans and a particular spirit. They have found a place of great importance in contemporary Vodoun.

Honolulu, November/December 1979

For traditional Hawaiians, hula is a sacred activity, its origin is in ecstatic prayer, It uses movement and chant to communicate with spirits, humans, and the cosmos.

UNIT 3. India: Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism

The World & I, October 1996

India has one of the oldest surviving cultures and religions. It has given birth to Hinduism, Buddhism, and other traditions. Its concepts of divinity, reality, and acceptance have been among its greatest contributions to the world.

Lord Mahavira in the Eyes of Foreigners, New Delhi: Meena Bharati, 1975

Jainism is one of the earliest religious traditions of India. While it has things in common with Buddhism and Hinduism, it is unique in its emphasis on nonviolence.

Darsan: Seeing the Divine Image in India, Anima Books, 1985

Fundamental to the practice of Hinduism is darsan, which refers to a visual perception of the divine—an image, a temple, a holy place, or a saintly being. Because Hindus believe in an ever-present divinity, any place, thing, or being can be a medium through which a perception or vision can occur.

Hinduism Today, February 1996

Amidst the increasing violence in the contemporary world, the concept of ahimsa, or nonviolence, is not only ethical but practical. Ahimsa has been integral to the history and development of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it is viewed by these traditions as a necessary means to find peace.

Enduring Issues in Religion, Greenhaven Press, 1995

For Hindus, Brahman is the absolute, combining the transcendental and phenomenal aspects of reality. It is beyond human understanding; therefore, attempts at comprehension can only be through limited conceptualizations.

UNIT 4. Buddhism

History Today, January 2002

For 2,500 years, the life and teachings of the Buddha have been a source of guidance and inspiration for his followers. Although there is an important focus on monastic life, the tradition has long found followers from many quarters.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, Weatherhill, 1973

The goal of Zen Buddhism is not to become the best mediator; it is about using one's imperfections and difficulties as vehicles for finding one's true self and the essence of Zen.

Parabola, Fall 2000

In Tibetan Buddhism the role of the teacher is one of great sanctity and power. Symbolized as a Refuge Tree, Tibetan Buddhists traditionally see the teacher as the ultimate source of inspiration.

Inaugural Lecture for the Numata Chair at Leiden University, April 7, 1992

Although far less known in the West than Zen, the Jodoshin school is the largest denomination of Japanese Buddhism. This article gives an overview of its history, beliefs, and some stories of its adherents.

Religions of Japan in Practice, Princeton University Press, 1999

Japanese Buddhist institutions have had to confront the increasing prevalence of abortion. Many have developed rituals through which feelings surrounding abortion and miscarriages are acknowledged and addressed.

UNIT 5. Religions of China and Japan (Non-Buddhist)

The Wilson Quarterly, Autumn 1993

Confucian ideas have maintained a place in Chinese thought and life since Confucius preached them. During the past two decades, his humanity and wisdom have inspired a new generation of scholars to try to recapture something of his essence.

Tract of the Most Exalted on Action and Response, Catherine Bell, Religions of China in Practice, Princeton University Press, 1996

Morality has long been an integral element in China's religious culture. This led to a view of writing, copying, and even distribution of morality books as virtue-creating acts. Various tales relate the miraculous effects of these acts.

Asceticism in Early Taoist Religion, SUNY Press, 1998

Asceticism is an integral part of most Asian religious traditions. However, unlike their Hindu and Buddhist counterparts who traditionally sought to get beyond bodily attachments and desires, Taoist ascetics sought physical immortality. Seen in this light, they present an important and little understood aspects of Asian religion.

The Myths of Izumo, Shimane: Hokosho Company, Inc. 1978

The Kojiki is the most important textual source of early Shinto. It tells the story of creation: the first couple, the islands of Japan, and the kami, or spirits.

Ja
panese Religious Traditions, Prentice Hall, March 2002

During the last several decades in Japan, religious beliefs and practices have taken many new shapes. Both traditionalist and innovative movements seek to appeal to a religious and cultural sentiment that is deep-rooted in the hearts of the people.

Japanese New Religions in the West, Japan Library, 1994

Ryugu Kazoku is a new religion, founded in 1973 by Fujita Himiko. Like many other new religions of Japan, its founder is a woman, and one of its primary foci is healing. What makes it unique, however, is the founder's claim to a special revelation from Amaterasu the sun goddess.

Matsuri: World of Japanese Festivals, Shufunomoto Company, Ltd. 1994

Japan is a land of festivals or matsuri, which infuse nearly every aspect of the people's lives. These celebrations act as meeting points, bringing together the human and divine worlds, people and the world of nature, and also Shinto and Buddhism. They also connect the present and the past and the secular and the religious.

UNIT 6. Judaism

Parabola, 1978

The designation and consecration of sacred space have long been important aspects of most religious traditions, and each has its own way to define such space. From earliest times, Judaism has worked to communicate through its sacred space. Understanding its early beliefs in this regard helps give a context for understanding an integral part of the development of Judaism.

The Economist, December 23, 2000-January 5, 2001

Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, envisioned a homeland for Jews in a novel he published in 1902. This article looks at the reality of Herzl's dream.

The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 21, 2001

Jerusalem has had a long and complex past. Bernard Wasserstein examines how politics have affected Jerusalem's history.

The Tales of Rabbi Nachman, Humanities Press International, 1956

The sayings of Rabbi Nachmann have been an important source of teachings and inspiration for many Jews and others. Here are short vignettes of the rabbi's words that relate Jewish concepts of truth and life.

The Tales of Rabbi Eizik: Hasidic Stories About the Zaddik of Kallo, Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 19

In reflecting on the experience of religion, many Jewish tales relate how good people suffer, but also that goodness and truth ultimately prevail. Here, these concepts are presented in the story of a hard working and clever carpenter.

The Brookings Register, February 21, 2002

Yom ha-Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) provides an occasion for Jews and everyone to remember not only the Holocaust itself, but also the numerous cases of genocide and state-sanctioned homicide in the twentieth century.

UNIT 7. Christianity

Newsweek, April 16, 2001

During the twentieth century, Christianity went from a predominantly Caucasian to a predominatly non-Caucasian religion. With its geographical centers now in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, it is often colored by concepts and practices from indigenous cultures. Christianity has clearly become a world religion.

First Things, April 2002

America is a unique society, where a free choice of lifestyle and religious belief is possible. The author believes that amidst the existing pluralism, belief-based higher education is also a vital element for the richness it adds. Even though contemporary secular ideologies often denounce religious beliefs, Catholic universities must once again provide a moral foundation.

The Christian Century, February 16, 1994

Christians has long had to address the difference between their beliefs and the cultures in which they live. Today, many Christians are feeling the need to consciously practice "godparenting” and religious nurturing of their children, who are increasingly exposed to the "dehumanizing currents of popular culture.”

Los Angeles Times, March 12, 2002

A couple whose religious convictions led them to pray for their sick child instead of seeking medical care are charged with involuntary manslaughter, raising many questions concerning the concept of freedom of religion in a secular society.

Insight, September 3, 2001

Many American Christians today are seeking an experiential form of religion, moving away from mainstream churches to those with charismatic leaders. These new congregations challenge traditional approaches to the role of the church in contemporary life.

Time, December 30, 1991

The recent growing popularity of Mary, mother of Jesus, is forcing clergy and laity alike to reexamine and, in some cases, reinterpret her life and role in Christianity. While countless believers look upon her as second only to Jesus, some theologians question the legitimacy of her elevated status. Nevertheless, she remains a symbol of strength, compassion, and love for her devotees.

UNIT 8. Islam

The Atlantic Monthly, January 1999

Orthodox Muslims believe that the Koran, from its origin to the present day, is the perfect and unchanged word of God. Recently discovered ancient manuscripts suggest that the text has gone through alterations. While scholars see this in the history of most scriptures, many Muslims see it as a threat to their religion. Further study will likely lead to a new understanding of Muslim history.

Newsweek, February 11, 2002

Jews and Muslims share a theological heritage; thus, teachings contained in their respective holy books, the Bible and the Qur'an, share certain themes, including a justification for violence in the name of God. Since Muhammad was a military leader as well as a prophet, however, Muslims tend to more easily find justification for waging war against nonbelievers.

Aramco World, September/October 1996

Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. On the Temple Mount it is believed Muhammad prayed with Moses, Jesus, and other prophets before ascending to Heaven. The Dome of the Rock marks this spot, and throughout Muslim history it has been afforded great reverence.

Enduring Issues in Religion, Greenhaven Press, 1995

For Muslims, Allah is the one true God, and modern society's denial of this fact is the root of all evil. For Muslims, there is no greater sin than to worship a created object rather than the Creator Himself. Thus, a materialistic society has an inherent corrupting influence on humankind.

New Perspectives Quarterly, Winter 2002

Islam is curently at a critical juncture in its historical development. The author suggests that although extremists now have a great deal of control over Muslim leadership, there are ample teachings in the religion for it to move toward its own form of modernity and democratic, humanistic values.

UNIT 9. Religions in Dialogue and Confrontation

Los Angeles Times, February 16, 2002

Religious scriptures contain diverse messages, sometimes urging love and forgiveness, sometimes exhorting followers to hatred and violence. Many Muslim, Jewish, and Christian scholars are now attempting to alter negative interpretations of statements in their respective scriptures.

Los Angeles Times, February 2, 2002

Dixon Yagi, a Japanese Buddhist convert to Christianity, discusses issues surrounding Asian religious and cultural traditions and how Christian missionaries might best interpr
et and handle them. He emphasizes the role of the heart and belief over sectarian affiliation.

The Christian Century, February 17, 1999

Kenneth Cragg attempts to explain the possibilities and problems in religious dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He also addresses the issue of the need for Christians to better understand Islam.

Commonweal, January 31, 1997

Although Islam and Christianity share theological roots, it has been competition, confrontation, and conflict that have most marked their interactions over the centuries. With Islam rapidly becoming the second largest religion in America and Europe, these attitudes need to be replaced with a greater understanding.

UNIT 10. Religion Facing the Modern World

New York Times Magazine, December 7, 1997

In America, a growing approach to religion is "institutionalized anti-institutionalism.” While many Americans are moving away from sectarian commitments toward apathy and unbelief, others are finding comfort in an affiliation that goes hand-in-hand with a questioning of beliefs. At the end of the article are some statistics on religion in America.

The Atlantic Monthly, February 2002

By some estimates, there are currently nearly 10,000 separate religions in the world, with several more starting each day. The success, dynamism, and diversity of these new religious movements (NRMs) make a strong case for the continuing need for religious affiliation and belief in an increasingly secular world.

Liberty, November/December 1996

In the United States, confrontations between constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and existing legal prohibitions are inevitable. Drug use by a member of the Jamaican Ras Tafari religion brings to light the controversy and tenuousness of this freedom.

Foreign Policy, January/February 2002

Religious fundamentalism is a greatly misunderstood phenomenon. This article seeks to both define it and debunk common misconceptions about it.