DD 196-200.999 (Tony) The Big Picture: A Short World History of Religions by John D. Loftin (200.9 LOF)

The interesting thing about this book is that it is more like a book on anthropology and mythology than it is a book on the history of religion. That doesn't mean I hated this book. In fact it was quite good. I enjoy mythology and so it was sort of a pleasant surprise to have those elements in this book.
Being touted as an Introduction into how religions formed from Caveman to the beginnings of Christainity and Islam- this book was a no-brainer to choose as my intro into the 200 levels of the Dewey Decimal System. And despite some earlier fears- this book is not very controversial. (A little misguided maybe- as Islam is considered a Peaceful religion and yet the affects of Islamic Extremism in todays society isn't at least mentioned and the Norse gods aren't even mentioned and the history of Zorastarianism is given a total of 10 words- I kid you not!)
But, the author claims this is an overveiw- not a comprehensive study. And since some of his sources wrote books that equal 10+ volumes- I'm kinda glad for that. The pre-historic and primative tribal religions and taboos are the most interesting part of this book. The myths and/or history of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Eygpt is 2nd. And strangely enough, the section of China's religous belief's- namely that of Confuscious again bored me to tears (See my review of THE ANALECTS). Appearently, I just don't like that guy or something.
Still- for an introduction- this is really good. It has a lot of hard facts and clear thoughts. For someone wanting a "primer" into world religions or trying to explore Dewey like my wife and I have- this is a great start. And I really reccomend skipping 196-199.999 and starting at 200. It will really help make that transition from Philosophy to Religion easier.

Chapter 4: Imagine there's LOTS of Religions

Finally, my long battle with Philosophy is over! Really, it's true! I actually mean it this time. I'm now at section 196-200.999 in the Dewey Decimal System, and yes, I could have read 1 more philosophy book, but all there was at the Hillsborough branch was "The Parallax View" by some guy who'se name has got o's with slashes in them. I really thought about reading it, but the Dust Jacket did nothing to help me to understand just what the heck this book is really about.
So, realizing I could got into the 200's and still qualify for completing tise section, I found a selection of books about the History of religions. No- I'm not gonna tell you what I am reading right now- that'd ruin the surprise. I promise to reveal more on that in the coming days. (I'm about 3/5 done with the book- so it will be soon).
So, stay tuned.

Bloggers note: For the record, and yes, I know I'll lose readers doing this- but I am a born again Christian. NO- I don't have a demonination. In fact, our Church (www.encounternhc.org)is anti-denomination and Jan and I are so glad for it. I've decided to hit this section reading about all types of religions- but I will not read any sacred texts that may be available in this section. So no reading of the Torah, Koran, Satanic Bibleor (Yes) even the Bible. If I find that a section calls to read a text, and nothing else is available, I will find a book from another section that covers a commentary on the Text and read that. I feel doing so would be the most objective and prevent myself from being biased to other religious texts (and sticking to the Bible) or to read something that may cause me to feel I have sinned. And no- this does not make me closed minded- for these next 10 sections, I will not ask/require/ demand or degrade Jews, Muslims, Hindus or people of other faiths for their beliefs, so please don't ask me to compromise either. Thank you.