Anthology of world scriptures 9th edition pdf

ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES

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gS I X T H E D I T I O N ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD

SCRIPTURES

ROBERT E. VAN VOORST Western Theological Seminary

Holland, Michigan

AUSTRALIA � BRAZIL � CANADA � MEXICO � SINGAPORE

SPAIN � UNITED KINGDOM � UNITED STATES

Anthology of World Scriptures, Sixth Edition Robert E. Van Voorst

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g To James and Genevieve Bos

My parents-in-law In gratitude for your friendship

gC O N T E N T S

PREFACE xix

1 Scripture Among the World’s Religions 1 A Brief History of Scripture Scholarship 2

The Nature and Definition of Scripture 4

The Uses of Scripture 8

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Religions Through their Scriptures 10

World Scriptures and Modern Scholarship 13

Scriptures and the World Wide Web 16

The Plan of This Book 16

Suggestions on How To Read Scriptures 17

Glossary 19

Questions for Study and Discussion 19

Suggestions for Further Reading 20

Companion Website 20

2 Hinduism 21 Introduction 22

Overview of Structure 22

Contemporary Use 25

Historical Origin and Development 26

TEACHING 28

Aditi and the Birth of the Gods (Rig-Veda 10.72) 28

Two Philosophical Views of Creation (Rig-Veda 10.129; Brihad-Aranyaka Upanishad 1.4.1–7) 29

The God Indra (Rig-Veda 2.12) 30

Rudra and Shiva (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 3.1–13) 31

‘‘That You Are’’ (Chandogya Upanishad 6.1–2, 9–11) 32

– vi –

ETHICS 34

Sin and Forgiveness (Rig-Veda 7.86) 34

The Three Da’s (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2) 34

The Way of Asceticism (Mundaka Upanishad 2.1–3, 5–8, 10–13) 35

Stages of Life for a Twice-Born Man (Laws of Manu 2.69–74, 191–201; 3.1–19; 6.1–9, 33–49) 36

The Life of Women (Laws of Manu 3.55–60; 5.147–165) 39

ORGANIZATION 40

Creation and the Caste System (Rig-Veda 10.90) 40

The Four Castes (Institutes of Vishnu 2–1.17) 41

The Outcastes (Laws of Manu 10.51–57) 42

RITUAL AND MEDITATION 43

The Gayatri Mantra (Rig-Veda 3.62.10) 43

Devotion to Agni in Prayer and Sacrifice (Rig-Veda 1.1; Agni-Brahmana 1.1–19) 43

Soma (Rig-Veda 8.48) 44

Marriage (Rig-Veda 10.85.20–47) 45

Cremation (Rig-Veda 10.16) 47

Charms and Spells (Atharva-Veda 6.20; 7.70; 6.9; 3.16) 48

Chanting of Om (Chandogya Upanishad 1.1.1–10) 49

The Practice of Yoga (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 2.8–15) 49

SELECTIONS FROM THE BHAGAVAD GITA 50

TWO TAMIL POETS, APPAR AND TUKARAM 60

[Appar:] Confession of Sin 60

The Presence of God 60

[Tukaram:] Waiting 61

The Burden of the Past 61

Glossary 62

Questions for Study and Discussion 62

Scriptures in Film 62

Suggestions for Further Reading 63

Companion Website 64

3 Buddhism 65 Introduction 66

Overview of Structure 67

Contemporary Use 71

Historical Origin and Development 72

Contents vii

HISTORY 73

The Past Lives of Siddhartha Gotama (Jataka 190, Birth-Story of the Blessing of the Commandments) 73

The Life of Siddhartha Gotama (Buddhacarita 1.1–2, 9–10, 15–17, 19–21, 23–25, 34, 54, 59, 62, 72–74, 83; 2.24–26, 28–32; 3.1–8, 26–33, 40–44, 53–61; 5.7–20; 12.88–104; 14.1–9, 35–37, 64–68, 79–81) 74

The Death of Gotama Buddha (Mahaparinibbana Sutta 6.1–12, 33–35, 45–48) 79

TEACHING 80

The Sermon on the Four Noble Truths (Dhammacakkapparattana Sutta 1–8) 80

The Noble Eightfold Path (Dhammacakkapparattana Sutta 9–20) 82

The Skandhas and the Chain of Causation (Buddhacarita 16.1, 28–50) 83

The Essence of Buddhism (The Heart Sutra) 84

A Mahayana View of the Buddha (Saddharma-Pundarika Sutra 2.36; 10.1) 85

The Blessings of the Pure Land (Array of the Joyous Land Sutra) 86

ETHICS 88

Conduct of the Monk (Dhammapada 25, 360–382) 88

Admonition to Laity (Cullavagga, Dammikasutta 18–27) 89

The Wisdom of the Buddha (Dhammapada 1–20) 89

ORGANIZATION 91

Founding of the Monastic Order (Mahavagga 1.6.10, 11–16, 27–30, 32, 34, 37) 91

Founding of the Order of Nuns (Cullavagga 10.1.1–6) 92

The Rules of Defeat for Monks and Nuns (Patimokkha, Parajika Dhamma 1–4) 94

Rules Requiring Formal Meetings of Monks (Patimokkha, Samghadisesa Dhamma 1–13) 96

RITUAL 97

The Relics of the Buddha (Mahaparinibbana Sutta 6.58–60) 97

Mindfulness in Meditation (Majjhima-nikaya, Satipatthanasutta 10.1–9) 98

A Mahayana View of the Merit of Making Images (Taisho Shinshu Daizokyo 16.694) 100

Tibetan Scripture to Guide the Soul after Death (Bardo Thodol 1.1–2) 102

A Zen Koan, ‘‘What Is Extraordinary?’’ (The Blue Cliff Record 26) 103

viii Contents

The Main Characteristics of the Falun Gong Movement (Li Hongzhi, Zhuan Falun, Lecture 1, Conclusion) 104

Glossary 106

Questions for Study and Discussion 107

Scriptures in Film 107

Suggestions for Further Reading 107

Companion Website 108

4 Jainism 109 Introduction 110

Overview of Structure 110

Contemporary Use, Historical Origin, and Development 111

HISTORY 112

The Life of Mahavira (Acaranga Sutra 2.15.6–9, 14, 16–20, 22–25, 27) 112

TEACHING 114

The Causes of Sin (Acaranga Sutra 1.1–2) 114

The Road to Final Deliverance (Uttaradhyayana Sutra 28) 115

ETHICS 117

Ahimsa (Sutrakritanga 1.7.1–9) 117

Rules for Monastic Life (Uttaradhyayana Sutra 35) 117

ORGANIZATION 118

The Five Great Vows (Acaranga Sutra 2.15.i–v) 118

Glossary 119

Questions for Study and Discussion 119

Suggestions for Further Reading 120

Companion Website 120

5 Sikhism 121 Introduction 122

Overview of Structure 122

Contemporary Use 123

Historical Origin and Development 124

TEACHING 125

Selections from the Japji (Japji 1–3, 5–6, 9, 12–13, 15, 17–18, 20–22, Epilogue) 125

Remembering God (Gauri Sukhmani, Mahala 5) 127

Dancing for Krishna (Rag Gurji, Mahala 3) 128

The Hindu Thread (Asa Ki Var, Mahala 1) 129

Contents ix

ETHICS 130

Prayer for Forgiveness (Rag Bihagra, Mahala 5) 130

Against the Use of Wine (Rag Bihagra, Mahala 1) 131

ORGANIZATION 131

The Guru (Rag Gauri, Mahala 3) 131

God’s Power in the Sikh Community (Rag Gauri, Mahala 5) 132

RITUAL 133

Hymn for the Installation of the Guru Granth (Rag Devgandhari, Mahala 5) 133

A Marriage Hymn (Rag Asa, Mahala 5) 133

SELECTIONS FROM THE DASAM GRANTH 134

Guru Gobind Singh’s Story (Dasam Granth, Vichitar Natak 6) 134

God as the Holy Sword (Dasam Granth, Vichitar Natak 6) 135

Glossary 136

Questions for Study and Discussion 137

Suggestions for Further Reading 137

Companion Website 137

6 Confucianism 138 Introduction 139

Overview of Structure 139

Contemporary Use 141

Historical Origin and Development 142

HISTORY 143

The Character of Confucius (Analects 2.4; 7.1–9, 19–24; 10.1–3, 8–12) 143

TEACHING 145

The Way (Analects 16.2) 145

The Goodness of Human Nature (Mencius 6.1.1–4, 6) 145

ETHICS 147

The Virtues of the Superior Man (Analects 1.1–4, 6–9, 14; 15.17–23) 147

Benevolence (Analects 4.1–6) 148

The Actions and Attitudes of Filiality (Classic of Rites 10.1, 4, 7, 10–11, 13–15; Analects 2.5–7; 4.18–21; 13.18) 149

Propriety (Analects 3.3–4, 8, 12–14, 17–19) 151

The Love of Learning (Analects 17.8–9) 152

The Basis of Good Government (Great Learning 1, 3–7; 9.1, 3–5) 152

Confidence and Prosperity in Government (Mencius 4.3, 9; 1.6.20–24) 153

x Contents

RITUAL 154

Divination (Classic of Changes 1, 47, 54) 154

Songs for Sacrifice (Classic of Poetry: Kau 7; Minor Odes 10.1, 3; Minor Odes 5) 156

Music and Morality (Classic of Rites 17.2.10–11, 15–16, 18) 158

Attack on Buddhism (Ch’ang-li hsien-sheng wen-chi 39.2b–42) 159

Glossary 160

Questions for Study and Discussion 160

Scriptures in Film 160

Suggestions for Further Reading 161

Companion Website 161

7 Taoism 162 Introduction 163

Overview of Structure 163

Contemporary Use, Historical Origin, and Development 164

TEACHING 166

The Nature of the Tao (Tao Te Ching 1, 6, 25, 34; Chuang-tzu 29) 166

The World (Tao Te Ching 7, 42, 52) 168

The Relationship of Taoism to Confucianism (Pao-p’u Tzu 7.5a) 169

ETHICS 170

Nonaction (Chuang-tzu 7) 170

Individual Life in Harmony with the Tao (Tao Te Ching 16, 22, 33, 44) 171

The Superior Man (Chuang-tzu 12) 172

Government (Tao Te Ching 3, 18, 57, 64) 173

On Death (Chuang-tzu 18) 174

Reward and Retribution (T’ai-Shang 1) 175

RITUAL 176

Methods of Prolonging Life (Pao-p’u tzu 15.6b–7a; 19.6b–7a) 176

The Origins of Feng Shui (Zang Shu 1.1–4, 7–25, 30–43) 177

Glossary 179

Questions for Study and Discussion 179

Scriptures in Film 180

Suggestions for Further Reading 180

Companion Website 180

Contents xi

8 Shinto 181 Introduction 182

SELECTIONS FROM THE KOJIKI 183

Preface to the Kojiki 183

The Creation of Japan (Kojiki 1–5, 33) 185

The Story of Emperor Yuryaku and the Woman Akawi-ko (Kojiki 154) 188

Glossary 188

Questions for Study and Discussion 189

Scriptures in Film 189

Suggestions for Further Reading 189

Companion Website 189

9 Zoroastrianism 190 Introduction 191

Overview of Structure 192

Contemporary Use 193

Historical Origin and Development 193

HISTORY 194

The Call of Zarathushtra (Yasna 29) 194

A Hymn of Praise to Zarathushtra (Yasht 24:87b–94) 195

TEACHING AND ETHICS 196

Hymn to Ahura and the Purifying Fire (Yasna 36) 196

Hymn to Ahura Mazda the Creator (Yasna 37:1–5) 197

The Choice Between Good and Evil (Yasna 30) 197

Judgment of the Soul on Chinvat Bridge (Menok I Khrat 2.110–195) 198

RITUAL 200

The Place of the Gathas (Yasna 55:1–3) 200

The Zoroastrian Confession (Yasna 12) 201

The Four Great Prayers (From the Yasna) 202

Disposal of the Dead (Vendidad, Fargard 65, 44–51) 203

Glossary 203

Questions for Study and Discussion 204

Suggestions for Further Reading 204

Companion Website 204

xii Contents

10 Judaism 205 Introduction 206

Names 207

Overview of Structure 207

Contemporary Use 210

Historical Origin and Development 213

HISTORY 214

The Call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–9) 214

The Call of Moses (Exodus 3:1–20) 215

Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1–31) 216

The Covenant with Israel (Exodus 19:1–8) 217

A Psalm for David (Psalm 132) 218

Ezra’s Enforcement of Torah Observance (Ezra 9:1–7, 13–15; 10:1–12) 219

TEACHING 220

The Oneness of God (Deuteronomy 6:1–9) 220

God’s Creation of the World (Genesis 1:1–31; 2:1–9, 15–25) 221

The Revolt of Humanity (Genesis 3:1–24) 223

Prayer for Divine Deliverance (Psalm 5) 224

The Messianic King (Isaiah 11:1–9) 225

The Final Judgment of the World (Daniel 7:1–14) 225

Resurrection of the Dead (Daniel 12:1–3) 226

ETHICS 227

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–14) 227

Laws on Slaves, Violence, and Property (Exodus 21:1–36; 22:15–26) 228

Justice for All (Exodus 23:1–9) 230

Holy War (Deuteronomy 20:1–20) 230

Sexual Love (Song of Songs 1:1–2:17) 231

God’s Call to an Unfaithful People (Amos 4:1–13) 233

Two Views of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:1–9, 20–33; Ecclesiastes 1:1–9) 234

The Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10–31) 235

ORGANIZATION 236

Sacrifice at the Ordination of Priests (Exodus 29:1–37) 236

A Call to Be a Prophet (Isaiah 6:1–13) 237

Women as Judges and Prophets (Judges 4:4–10, 12–16; II Kings 22:11–20) 238

Contents xiii

RITUAL 239

The Establishment of Circumcision (Genesis 17:9–14, 23–27) 239

The Establishment of the Passover (Exodus 12:1–19, 24–27) 240

The Observance of the Sabbath (Exodus 31:12–17) 241

The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1–5, 11–19, 29–34) 242

Kosher and Nonkosher Foods (Leviticus 11:1–31, 41–45) 243

RABBINIC LITERATURE 244

The Chain of Rabbinic Tradition: ‘‘The Sayings of the Fathers’’ (Mishnah, Aboth 1.1–18) 244

An Example of Rabbinic Debate: The Duty to Marry and Have Children (Babylonian Talmud, Yebamoth 61b–63) 246

Glossary 247

Questions for Study and Discussion 248

Scriptures in Film 248

Suggestions for Further Reading 248

Companion Website 249

11 Christianity 250 Introduction 251

Names 251

Overview of Structure 252

Contemporary Use 253

Historical Origin and Development 255

HISTORY 257

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:18–25) 257

Jesus’ Miracles (Luke 8:26–56) 258

The Arrest, Trial, and Death of Jesus (Mark 14:43–50, 53–65; 15:1–41) 259

The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1–8) 261

The Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:6–11) 262

The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–21) 262

Persecution of the Apostles (Acts 5:27–42) 263

The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1–21) 264

TEACHING 265

The Parables of Jesus (Mark 4:1–34) 265

The Divine Word Became Human (John 1:1–18) 266

Nicodemus Visits Jesus (John 3:1–21) 267

A Sinful Woman Forgiven (Luke 7:36–50) 268

xiv Contents

Results of Justification (Romans 5:1–11) 269

The End of Time (Matthew 25:31–46; Revelation 20:1–21:4) 269

ETHICS 271

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) 271

Directions Concerning Marriage (I Corinthians 7:1–16, 25–40) 274

Love (I Corinthians 13:1–13) 276

Ethics in the Christian Household (Ephesians 5:21–6:9) 276

Being Subject to Authorities (Romans 13:1–10) 277

The Fall of Rome (Revelation 17:1–18:5) 278

ORGANIZATION 279

The Twelve Apostles and their Mission (Matthew 10:1–15) 279

Matthew’s Church Order (Matthew 18:1–10, 15–22) 280

Peter as the Rock (Matthew 16:13–20) 281

Qualifications of Bishops and Deacons (I Timothy 3:1–13) 281

Women in the Early Church (Luke 10:38–42; I Corinthians 11:2–16; Galatians 3:25–28; I Timothy 2:8–15) 282

RITUAL 283

Baptism (Matthew 28:16–20; Romans 6:1–14) 283

The Eucharist (Matthew 26:17–19, 26–29; John 6:25–40, 52–59) 284

Confession and Anointing (James 5:13–18) 285

EARLY NONCANONICAL JESUS TRADITION 286

The Gospel of Thomas (Gospel of Thomas 1–2, 13–14, 18, 22, 29, 49–50, 53, 83–84, 99, 101) 286

Glossary 287

Questions for Study and Discussion 287

Scriptures in Film 288

Suggestions for Further Reading 288

Companion Website 288

12 Islam 289 Introduction 290

Name 290

Overview of Structure 291

Contemporary Use 293

Historical Origin and Development 294

HISTORY 295

The Call of Muhammad (Qur’an 96:1–19; 53:1–18) 295

The Mission of Muhammad (Qur’an 11:1–16; 93) 296

Contents xv

Opposition to Muhammad (Qur’an 52:30–49; 63) 297

The Night Journey (Qur’an 17:1–2) 298

The Flight to Medina (Qur’an 9:40) 299

The Wives of Muhammad (Qur’an 33:28–33, 37–40, 48–49) 299

The Death of Muhammad (Qur’an 21:34–36) 300

TEACHING 301

God’s Absolute Oneness (Qur’an 6:100–103; 112) 301

God’s Names (Qur’an 59:22–24) 301

God’s Power (Qur’an 24:41–46; 6:95–99) 302

Predestination (Qur’an 42:8–13; 7:177–179) 302

Jinn (Qur’an 72:1–15) 303

Creation (Qur’an 15:16–48) 304

Adam, Eve, and the Fall (Qur’an 2:29–37) 305

The Holy Qur’an (Qur’an 42:50–53; 46:1–13; 2:87–91) 305

On Unbelievers, Jews, and Christians (Qur’an 9:1–7, 3:38–50; 2:111–121, 132–137) 307

Resurrection and Judgment (Qur’an 75:1–15; 69:14–35) 309

Heaven and Hell (Qur’an 76:1–22; 56:1–39; 77:1–39) 310

ETHICS 311

The Conduct of Believers (Qur’an 17:23–38) 311

Women (Qur’an 4:19–22, 34–39; 2:220–223, 227–233) 312

Against Evil Magic (Qur’an 113; 114) 314

The Different Dimensions of Struggle (Jihad ) (Qur’an 6:16, 19–20; 48:11–21; 2:190–194, 216–218) 314

Law Codes (Qur’an 4:1–10) 316

RITUAL 317

The Opening of the Qur’an (Qur’an 1) 317

Confession of Faith (Qur’an 57:1–7; 37:32–39) 317

Prayer (Qur’an 2:142–149) 318

Alms (Qur’an 107; 9:53–60) 319

The Fast (Qur’an 2:183–186) 319

Pilgrimage (Qur’an 2:125–129; 106; 2:196–199) 320

The Mosque (Qur’an 24:36–38; 9:15–18) 321

SELECTIONS FROM THE HADITH 322

On Innovations 322

On Ritual Washings 322

On Prayer 323

xvi Contents

On Alms 323

On God 323

On the Power of Reading the Qur’an 324

On the Martyr in Jihad 324

On Plunder in Jihad 324

On Women and Children in Jihad 324

On the Steps for Jihad Against Enemies 324

Glossary 325

Questions for Study and Discussion 325

Scriptures in Film 326

Suggestions for Further Reading 326

Companion Website 326

13 New Religious Movements 327 Introduction 328

Names 329

Overview of Structure 330

Contemporary Use 332

Historical Origins and Development 332

THE SCRIPTURE OF BAHA’I 334

The Essence of Baha’i Teaching and a Sketch of the Life of Baha’u’llah (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day Is Come, Preface) 334

Baha’i, Islam, and Christianity (The Bab, Qayyumu’l-Asma 1, 61–62) 335

Baha’i Laws (Baha’u’llah, Kitab-I-Aqdas 1–2, 12–14, 16, 30–34, 45, 49, 56, 63–65, 149–150, 189) 336

Baha’i Prayers (Short Obligatory Prayer, Medium Obligatory Prayer, Prayer for America) 338

THE SCRIPTURE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 340

Joseph Smith’s Story (Pearl of Great Price, ‘‘Joseph Smith—History 1’’ 1–22, 25–35, 40–47, 59–62, 67–74) 340

The First Description of the Book of Mormon (Book of Mormon, original title page) 343

The Coming of Jesus Christ in 34 C.E. to the New World (Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 11.1–41) 344

Destruction of the Nephites and Burial of the Golden Plates (Book of Mormon, ‘‘Mormon’’ 6:1–3, 6–11, 16–22) 345

Contents xvii

Preparations for the Trek to Utah (Doctrine and Covenants 136.1–11, 17–24, 30–42) 346

The Essence of Latter-day Saint Teaching (Pearl of Great Price, ‘‘Articles of Faith’’ 1–13) 347

Church Pronouncements on Polygamy and Men of African Descent (Doctrine and Covenants, Official Declarations of 1890 and 1978) 348

THE SCRIPTURE OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE 351

Introduction to Christian Science Scripture and to the Work of Mary Baker Eddy (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Preface) 351

The Essence of Christian Science Teaching (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, ‘‘Recapitulation’’) 352

Prayer and Its Role (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, ‘‘Prayer’’) 353

Interpretation of Genesis 1 (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, ‘‘Genesis’’) 354

Two Testimonials to Healing (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, ‘‘Fruitage’’) 354

THE SCRIPTURE OF THE UNIFICATION CHURCH 356

Dual Characteristics of the Universe and of Human Beings (Divine Principle 1.1.1.1) 356

The Purpose of the Creation of the Universe (Divine Principle 1.1.3.1) 357

The Spiritual and Physical Falls of Adam and Eve (Divine Principle 1.2.2.1–2) 358

The Restoration of Humanity (Divine Principle 1.3, Introduction) 359

Salvation Through the Second Messiah, the True Parent (Divine Principle 2, Introduction) 360

The Advent of the Second Messiah as a Korean (Divine Principle 2.6, Introduction; 2.6.3.2–3) 361

Glossary 362

Questions for Study and Discussion 362

Scriptures in Film 362

Suggestions for Further Reading 362

Companion Website 363

INDEX 364

xviii Contents

gP R E F A C E

The major living religions of the world have all expressed their teachings and practices in writing. Over the course of time, some of these writings gained unique standing in their traditions and became scriptures. As scriptures, they continue to influence the course of their religions. To read the scriptures of the world, therefore, is to encoun- ter world religions in a direct and meaningful way.

This book is designed to facilitate this encounter for the general reader and espe- cially for the student of religion. Its pages contain the most notable and instructive sacred texts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and four new religious move- ments: Baha’i, the Christian Science Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, and the Unification Church.

This anthology not only presents scripture readings but also sets them in the context of their application in the traditions themselves, taking into account recent scholarship on the role of scriptures in religion. Moreover, it does this in one volume and in one format. Designed to be used as a secondary textbook, the anthol- ogy has an organization that is easily adaptable to a range of primary textbooks and most of the current methods of teaching comparative religion.

This sixth edition incorporates, in addition to dozens of smaller changes, the fol- lowing significant revisions:

� Many opening vignettes and the closing sections on ‘‘Scriptures in Film’’ have been revised and updated to keep them fully contemporary. A new section on film has been added to the chapter on Taoism.

� About a dozen new scripture readings have been added on the recommenda- tion of adopters and peer reviewers. Included in these new readings, for exam- ple, are treatments of ‘‘outcastes’’ in Hinduism; Buddhist teachings on the Pure Land, Zen, and Falun Gong; a Confucian critique of Buddhism; Taoist teachings on feng shui; Zoroastrian views of the last judgment; and the early noncanonical Jesus tradition in the Gospel of Thomas.

– xix –

� The organization of the scripture readings has been made more consistent. Each chapter now follows as fully as possible the same order of history, teach- ing, ethics, organization, and ritual.

� All scholarship is updated throughout.

Anthology of World Scriptures is organized as follows: The first chapter examines the general phenomenon of scripture in the world’s religions, its nature, use, and place in modern scholarship. Chapter 1 also introduces the reader to the art of reading scrip- ture with practical suggestions.

Chapters 2 through 12 present the scripture of a single religion and are organized as follows: Vignettes about scripture and its usage draw the reader’s interest and imag- ination. Then an introduction sets the context by explaining the overall structure, use, origin, and development of the scripture in its religion. (If the name of the scripture poses a problem for students, this is given a brief treatment before Overall Structure.) The first grouping of scripture passages concerns the history of the religion, especially the founder (if any) and early history of the tradition. The second grouping covers main doctrinal teachings, including divine or ultimate reality, creation and the environ- ment, human nature, and human fulfillment. The third grouping deals with ethical sys- tems, both personal and social; topics such as war and peace, justice, and the role of women are anthologized as fully as possible here. The fourth grouping focuses on or- ganization, both the ways that religion orders itself and seeks to order its wider culture. The fifth grouping includes worship, devotion, ritual, and meditation. Chapters 8 (Shinto) and 13 (New Religious Movements) have a different internal order that is explained at the beginning of these chapters. As stated earlier, the final grouping deals with later, postscriptural developments of scriptural themes. Each chapter has full pedagogical aids, such as concise introductions to each passage, tables listing scrip- ture canons, full annotations in footnotes to explain difficult items in the readings, questions for study and discussion, a glossary with pronunciations, a brief treatment of recent films that deal with scriptures, and suggestions for further reading. On the website for this book, students and professors will find interactive resources for learning and teaching, such as glossary lists, flashcards of glossary terms, tutorial quizzes, Inter- net exercises, and Microsoft PowerPoint1 slides for lecture and review.

The translations used here have been selected for their accuracy and readability. I have been fortunate to receive permission to reprint many of the finest and most current English translations of many world scriptures. Where recent English transla- tions are incomplete or too technical for undergraduate students, I have relied on a few older translations that have proven their worth over time. I have edited these to update vocabulary, spelling, and occasionally, syntax.

The scriptures presented here come from the religions commonly understood to be the major living world religions, both old and new. By ‘‘world religion,’’ scholars generally mean those religions that have had an impact on the world’s leading cul- tures, not necessarily religions that are spread throughout the world. But why not include here the writings of other important contemporary religions, such as those of Africa or North America or the ancient religions of Egypt, Greece, or Central America? The main reason is that, with a few possible exceptions (e.g., the Mayan Popol Vuh), these religions do not have scriptures as this term is commonly defined today. Ancient religions had comparatively little writing, and this writing was not used in religious practice in a way that qualifies it as scriptural. The tribal/primal

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religions of Africa and North America rely on oral traditions, which, though powerful and important, are not written scriptural traditions. Those that are written down have been compiled and used as texts mainly by anthropologists, not by the believers themselves. That these religions do not have scriptures does not, of course, imply that they are any the less religious.

I am very grateful for the strong reception this book has received. I trust that this edition will continue to stimulate its readers to explore the world of religion more deeply.

Acknowledgments The editorial staff at Wadsworth continues to be a fine partner in developing and pro- ducing this book. I especially want to thank religion editor Worth Hawes and assistant editor Patrick Stockstill, as well as Aaron Downey of Matrix Productions and my copyeditor, Frank Hubert.