A compact and informative guide to the key tenets, rituals and history of the world's major faiths, now in a new easy-reference format. This is one of two titles in a new Collins reference series based on Gem material. Collins Keys are essential illustrated guides to core subjects, providing authoritative, up-to-date information in an easy-to-access form. The place of religion in contemporary life has never been more important, whether on the level of the individual seeking the meaning of life or as a catalyst on the global political stage. Collins Key World Religions provides an accurate, objective guide to the beliefs of the world's major faiths. The key religions covered are the Baha'i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Isalm, Jainism, Judaism, Rastafari, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, Tribal Religions and Zoroastrianism. For each religion, its origins, beliefs, sacred texts, traditions and practices are explained and illustrated. Each section has been authenticated by leading experts and approved by representatives of ICOREC (International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture)