An Interpretive Introduction to Western Religions

by Amir Sabzevary

Overview

This book is an antidote to contemporary philosophical, religious-spiritual markets and trappings. The book details the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual subtleties and complexities that exist and are experienced on the quest towards wisdom: the qualities that teachers of wisdom must possess, what is expected from seekers after truth, the teacher-student relationship, the importance of love, the stages of spiritual evolution, and the nature of a spiritual community. This book offers a rare and uncommon glimpse into the inner or esoteric dimensions of the three great Western religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Using everyday language and examples, the book offers understandable accounts of some of the core and complex practices and teachings of these great traditions. Those interested in journeying the spiritual path, given the enormously complicated contemporary social and political worlds, will find the insights in this book refreshing and thought-provoking.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666797459
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	04/26/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	124
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Amir Sabzevary has taught religion and philosophy for three decades. He is currently the Chair of Philosophy and Humanities at Laney College. He is the author of The Perfect Being: Selections from the Classic Islamic Text, Introductory Lectures on Religious Philosophy, and Choiceless Awareness: Psychological Freedom in the Philosophy of Krishnamurti. His next project is An Anthology of Sufi Sayings. His current projects include Anthology of Sufi Sayings, and Rumi’s Tale of the Reed.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“An Interpretive Introduction to Western Religions is . . . a call to remember and restore the power of the human spirit. At a time when intellectual knowledge requires the companionship of the soul in order to facilitate meaningful change in the human experience, Dr. Sabzevary points to wisdom and the interior world of the human being as essential foundations upon which to realize lasting transformation.”

—Staci Tye, Laney College



“While learning about the religions of the world tends to be monotonous and a one-way experience, Amir Sabzevary, in this introductory book, has accomplished the unique task of bringing together instances of polyphonic voices that are engaging, stimulating, and provocative across these significant religious traditions, hitting all the key notes in the process.”

—Shadieh Mirmobiny, Sierra Community College



“An Interpretive Introduction to Western Religions provides a brilliant and accessible entry point to the subject of Western religious traditions. Unlike many introductory texts in the field, which tend toward the abstract, Sabzevary writes in a manner and style that may be appreciated by the novice and the expert alike. From profound and illuminating examples to engaging tales, this text takes the reader on a journey not soon to be forgotten.”

—Cassie Lipowitz, College of Alameda



“Living as we are in an increasingly secular culture, it is not an easy task to translate ancient teachings into language that clearly speaks to the disillusionment we grapple with today. Sabzevary’s shockingly relevant translation from ancient to present-day language possesses the insight necessary to speak to all who wander in search of wisdom.”

—Carolyn D. Collom, Laney College

Editorial Reviews

An Interpretive Introduction to Western Religions is . . . a call to remember and restore the power of the human spirit. At a time when intellectual knowledge requires the companionship of the soul in order to facilitate meaningful change in the human experience, Dr. Sabzevary points to wisdom and the interior world of the human being as essential foundations upon which to realize lasting transformation.”

—Staci Tye, Laney College



“While learning about the religions of the world tends to be monotonous and a one-way experience, Amir Sabzevary, in this introductory book, has accomplished the unique task of bringing together instances of polyphonic voices that are engaging, stimulating, and provocative across these significant religious traditions, hitting all the key notes in the process.”

—Shadieh Mirmobiny, Sierra Community College



“An Interpretive Introduction to Western Religions provides a brilliant and accessible entry point to the subject of Western religious traditions. Unlike many introductory texts in the field, which tend toward the abstract, Sabzevary writes in a manner and style that may be appreciated by the novice and the expert alike. From profound and illuminating examples to engaging tales, this text takes the reader on a journey not soon to be forgotten.”

—Cassie Lipowitz, College of Alameda



“Living as we are in an increasingly secular culture, it is not an easy task to translate ancient teachings into language that clearly speaks to the disillusionment we grapple with today. Sabzevary’s shockingly relevant translation from ancient to present-day language possesses the insight necessary to speak to all who wander in search of wisdom.”

—Carolyn D. Collom, Laney College

From the Publisher