The African continent is home to more than 6,000 different ethnic and cultural groups, each with its own religious customs. Yet these many traditions have much in common, including an almost universal belief in a Supreme Being, a close interconnection between the sacred and the nonsacred, and a reliance on a rich oral tradition to pass on religious and ethical precepts from generation to generation. For a very long time, the indigenous religions of...

Discusses the history, beliefs, and traditions of Hinduism, dispelling misconceptions and providing understanding of the interconnection of religion and politics in India, the problems facing Hindu communities around the world and American movements in Hinduism.

An account of the history and rituals of Judaism, examining such areas as sacred use of the Hebrew language and the role of the faith in establishing the contemporary nation of Israel.

Introduces a 15-year-old Muslim boy who lives in England, then discusses the origins of Islam, its beliefs and practices, responses to contemporary issues and challenges, and the distribution of Islam throughout the world.

Presents the story of Buddhism's origins and growth through the centuries, discussing its basic philosophy and the evolution of the three major schools of Buddhist thought.

Describes the history and basic beliefs of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions.

An overview of Islam chronicling the religion's impact historically and in the modern world and discussing its origins, basic beliefs, structure, places of worship, and rites of passage.

Discusses the history of the Shinto religion in Japan, describing its origins, basic beliefs, rituals, and festivals, and its place in Japanese society.