This handbook provides quick access to information about the major religions. The spiritual world we live in today is a diverse and sometimes highly individual mix of religious practices and beliefs. The physical world is a much smaller place, often secular in appearance but still very much fueled by religious beliefs and conflict in the name of God. The book provides solid descriptions of major beliefs and rituals worldwide, affording the reader an understanding of contemporary religion, and it is a comparative guide for anyone seeking basic religious literacy and intellectual history. It looks specifically at the world's religious traditions that trace their origins to the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), South East Asia (Buddhism, Hinduism), and East Asia (Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto). It also asks the questions: Is there such a thing as a Muslim saint? What is the significance of the Star of David? How did so many different Christian churches come into being? What is the importance of the month of Ramadan? Do Hindus really believe in and worship many gods? Who was the Buddha and what does tradition say about his early life? The author examines each religion for history and sources, religious beliefs, signs and symbols, membership, community, diversity, leadership, authority, organization, personalities, and powers, holidays and regular observances, and customs and rituals. Included are 125 illustrations, suggestions for further reading, and a global timeline of the history of religion.