Unique in approach, this text combines an historical-descriptive presentation of individual religions with a comparative-thematic approach. It begins with a discussion of the basic human questions and concerns relating to religion—e.g., origin and identity, ultimate reality, human nature, and the good life—and then uses these essential concepts to help describe the beliefs, practices, and historical development of each religion. As the work of a single scholar—much of it based on original research—this book offers a consistency and depth missing in many of the texts in this field.