This work contrasts the living guru in whom disciples place their trust to other objects of faith found in the world religions. Of these, two main alternatives emerge: past founders and great gods, to whom all may have access; and the sanctified way of life known to those within enduring cultures. Coming together in diverse configurations within different religious traditions, these primary objects of faith are taken as the basic elements of a syntax of religious
perception. Although Daniel Gold focuses on examples from North Indian Hinduism, he writes for generalists in religious studies, developing a broad comparative framework and reflecting on some possibilities for the growth of knowledge in history of religions.