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Summary: Philosophy of Religion
Review: Huston Smith's _The World's Religions_ surveys the major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and primal religions. Instead of focusing on the details of the history and rituals of those religions, he examines their underlying philosophical claims (metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical). Because Smith is so enamored of religion, the dubious and pernicious premises are laid bare, with little or no attempt at rationalization. In addition, he focuses on the ideas that unite the various sects of a religion, rather than divide them. (Thus, in Christianity, only Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism are differentiated and discussed.) The only major failing of the book, in my opinion, is Smith's bias towards monotheism, such that all religions are interpreted as monotheistic in some significant sense. Finally, I should note that the book is a bit too easy, truly written for the average reader, rather than the intelligent or well-read one.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesomely Easy To Read
Review: The book is astoundingly easy to read. If you are skeptical of religion or searching for more than your past knowledge this is the book for you. The is no hint of any effort to change the reader's views, but rather a magnificent sharing of knowledge by one of the great observers of all religions. The book's goal is to provide us with the basic wisdom of each of the seven major religions. I read each section at different times as my curiosity on each developed. I have reread many parts recently Islam. This is not a history of religion or a rigorous road map of comparative religion. It is a brilliant and successful effort to put the basic wisdom of the great major religions in one book of reasonable size.The original book is now 43 years old. This revised 1991 edition is better than ever. As the leading most popular book of its kind you can not go wrong so long as you understand that this book is designed to make these vast subjects approachable. No one can say with confidence that a particular religion is superior. Yet each religion is different. History shows the greatest folly pursues conversions from one religion to another or seeks a merging religions. The beauty has always been in the differences and at the same time that there are common tenants. There lies the greatest reason for reading this fabulous book. Secondarily, despite the great and accelerating advances of science--- little is provided on the subjects that humans yearn to understand. A third valuable reason for reading this book is as follows. Each community and each nation has abundant experiences with religions (and secular beliefs) impinging on the freedoms of those not sharing the beliefs of rulers leaders or democratic majorities. Perversion of one of the world's great religions is now having a major global impact. The backlash against normal Islam believers is very misplaced. To assess the variances between the great religions and their significance, the author sums up the common teachings. I try to condense the author's final summary chapter as follows. The universal ethics are to avoid: murder, thieving, lying and adultery. The virtues are: humility, charity and veracity. The three common visions follow. First, if we could see the whole we would find it more integrated that we suppose. Second, our lot in life is better than the senses discern. Thirdly, our role is more mysterious than can be comprehended. In light of this wisdom the author encourages us to go forward and listen. Limitless reasons require us to listen to the faith of others, science and the secularists. Science and trade has annihilated the great distances between people. Yet, people have to struggle to see each other as equals. By listening we will understand others in ways leading to loving one another. To speak without listening turns away from wisdom.
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Guide
Review: This book gives overviews of the major world religions: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It has all you'll need for a good understanding of each. For example, if you're wondering not just what Christianity is all about, but what the differences are between, say, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, the book will tell you. Furthermore, it treats all the religions fairly, spending equal time on each. I can see no better guide for a person interested in learning about religion. And if there's one religion you really like and want to learn even more about, the author gives suggestions for further reading. Excellent book. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Not all what I expected
Review: The book, while being a good attempt at presenting a concise overview of the main religions of the world, fails to be more than an attempt. The book tries to place itself on a very philosophical plane, thus undermining the beauty traditions and practices add to all religions. It does not even try to explain key rites in any relgion and their meaning, and instead of giving an objective overiview, came with the author's own biases and preferences. It went tooo long in parts (the asian religions) and abrupt in others (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) It did not keep momentum and was thoroughly boring towards the end. Is very repetitive and in many cases outright redundant. If you were hoping for a colourful lively depiction of the world's religions this is not for you..
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Summary: Nope, The Original Lie...
Review: This is just another attempt to bring out the "spirit" of all religions. Yes, I'm a Christian. What you need to realize: When it all comes down, Religion= searching for God, truth= Jesus VS. All Other Gods. Boy, everybody better do away with all the "religious" stuff or just dump Jesus. Because I'll tell you what, Jesus would not have had himself included in a bunch of "Gods" who proclaim their own greatness. Face it, It's either Jesus or Them, or of course you could choose atheism which is a whole other story. Sorry but this is all a lie thats used to deceive you, read the bible and then this book and tell me what you see.
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Summary: "What do they know of England, who only England know?"
Review: I see no need to repeat what other reviewers have already said so clearly. Instead I will relate my own experience with this wonderful book. I am not 'religious,' per se. I do not adhere to any specific faith. However, religion fascinates me. I am a writer of fiction, and my fiction has leaned steadily closer to questions of faith and the concept of the Infinite. Exploring these issues has led me to the study of religion. I believe that my lack of affiliation with any specific faith makes it easier for me to approach the religious experience as a whole. I am of the school of thought which holds that truth, wisdom, and yes, even God, can be found in different places. God wears more than one mask. Or, if you prefer, God is beyond our direct knowing, and so different people in different lands find a different God, and yet all of them are, in a way, right. Many will say that such a belief is too simple-minded, and perhaps they are right. As I said, I am not 'religious.' For those of you who are like myself -- who do not practice religion yet believe in Something Greater -- I doubt there is a better a book with which to begin your journey-of-discovery than The World's Religions. It is a clear, concise, and even-handed introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and what Smith calls 'The Primal Religions.' And for those of you who adhere to a particular faith, this book offers a different kind of introduction, yet one no less significant. For "what do they know of England, who only England know?"
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Summary: The best primer available!
Review: This book (which I first read as the less PC "Religions of Man) is the single best primer to the basic beliefs and tentets of the major world religions available. Smith's prose is accessible and a joy to read. He is able to distill some very complex theological principles down to their essence to allow their easy digestion by the reader. You will not know everything there is to know about the major religions of the world after reading this book (and if you think that you do you are sorely mistaken). But, you will have a greater understanding of all of them. (Don't make the mistake I did the first time and skip the chapter on the religious tradition to which you belong - you will learn something about your own beliefs too.) I think almost everyone would benefit from reading this book, in that you will come away with a greater understanding of the beliefs that shape the world's spirituality.
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Summary: the great debate
Review: Huston Smith has an excellent talent for illustrating the great debate between the traditional and scientific worldviews. Reading this book will open your eyes to both sides of the debate and show the validity of each argument, along with their shortcomings. A terrific, well-balanced argumentative book.
Rating:
Summary: Begin Here
Review: Finding non-judgemental explanations of man's different religious systems is a daunting task. This is the place. Although I'd like to find a more condensed version--actually going cover-to-cover here is a near impossibility--this is a valuable tool.
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Summary: Must read for those seeking to be informed
Review: Huston Smith is a professor at U C Berkeley whose PBS Special really caught my eye as have his writings. His World Religions book is one book that anyone who is interested in the world should own. It explains in concise and easy to read text with awesome photographs what the worlds major religions believe, when they began, who they have grown and what countries they are in and what their religious worship requires. Just because someone reads about other religions doesn't mean that you have to convert. It simply helps us become better educated and better informed citizens. There is so much myth and even falsehoods drifting around and I believe personally that ethical behavior requires me to speak facts and not hype or lies because I may fear that someone may not convert to my beliefs. This is sadly very much an American televangilist issue.
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