Religion: A Very Short Introduction

Abstract Religion: A Very Short Introduction offers a concise and fair account of the vast topic of religion, incorporating insights from different scholarly fields while also respectfully representing diverse religions and varying viewpoints. Everyone who aspires to be an informed global citizen needs to understand religion, since it affects how billions around the world conduct their lives. But most overviews are too wordy or too partisan. This one focuses on the key questions: What is religion? What does it do? How is religion expressed and how has it changed? That story of change begins with the first signs of religion among ancient humans using stone tools, and it ends with modern adherents using computer technology. Religion continues to evolve, and it continues to play an important role in how people deal with recent trends and contemporary problems, from climate change to armed conflict. Religion, the author shows, is both intensifying and alleviating those problems. Religion is pulling us apart and bringing us together.