All You Want to Know But Didn't Think You Could Ask: Religions, Cults, and Popular Beliefs

Description

Many young people fear that if they ask the wrong question about a religion or belief system, they'll be seen as insensitive or unintelligent... But to Jessica deVega-a high school religion teacher and a professor of religion-there are no bad questions, and nothing is too taboo to ask. All You Want to Know But Didn't Think You Could Ask clarifies the founding, history, practices, and beliefs of forty groups-from Islam, Shamanism, and Mormonism, to atheism, vampirism, and astrology. Here is everything teens and young adults need to know about world religions and philosophies in one place. Each chapter puts the group in context and explains how the religion is similar to or different from Christianity. No other book covers such a wide range of topics in as direct and gentle a manner. This book is perfect for you if you've ever: Heard puzzling statements or had questions about any belief system. Met someone of another religion for the very first time and wondered what that person believes or how to speak to her respectfully while holding true to your own faith. Worried that you hold misconceptions or stereotypes about other religious beliefs. Want to understand you own faith better by looking at what other people believe and why. Features include: Charts and tables for easy comparison of different religious beliefs and practices. Coverage of world religions, new religions, and religions in popular culture. Overviews of the founding, history, and typical followers of each religion. Written for classroom or individual study.

Jessica Tinklenberg deVega is Assistant Professor of Religion at Morningside College (Sioux City, IA). She has a Ph.D. in Religion from Florida State University, a Master of Divinity from United Seminary (Dayton, OH), and a BA in Religion and Education from Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL). She has twelve years of experience teaching world religions, biblical studies, and ancient languages to both high school and college students. Christine Ortega Gaurkee was born and raised in Florida. She earned her undergraduate degree in Religion at Florida Southern College and a Masters in Theological Studies from Emory University. Christy has nine years experience teaching world religions, religion and popular culture, and ethics to high school students at Berkley Prepatory Academy in Tampa, FL. Christy is married, has a little girl, and is earning a Master's degree in Counseling and School Psychology.