First Encounter
What Is Religion?
      Key Characteristics of Religion
      The Sacred
      Religious Symbolism
      Speculations on the Sources of Religion
Patterns among Religions
      First Pattern: Focus of Beliefs and Practices
      Second Pattern: Views of the World and Life
      Third Pattern: Religious Views of Male and Female
Multidisciplinary Approaches to the Study of Religion
Key Critical Issues
Why Study the Major Religions of the World?
The Pilgrimage
Religion Beyond the Classroom
For Fuller Understanding
Resources
Key Terms