"Those who listen work for peace, a peace built not on ecclesiastical or political hegemonies but on understanding and mutual concern. For understanding, at least in realms as inherently noble as the great faiths of humankind, brings respect; and respect prepares the way for a higher power, love — the only power that can quench the flames of fear, suspicion, and prejudice, and provide the means by which the people of this small but precious Earth can become one to one another." So writes Huston Smith in this revised and expanded edition of his 1958 classic.
Here is a substantive, wide-ranging, and completely accessible guide to the wisdom traditions of Taoism, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Islam, and the Indigenous religions. Smith proves to be a master at deciphering the best ideas, ideals, and patterns for living within these traditions. This is one of those books that can be savored again and again for fresh insights. It opens up new pathways to the sacred and signals the truth that every step on the spiritual journey can be enhanced by the use of resources from the world's great religions.