This book is merely a layman's view of the many religions and beliefs, both past and present, that have formed the basis of people's lives. It is not a historical account of bygone events, but is a step back from, and a contemporary look at, the beliefs and practices that we have grown up with, both current and extinct, plus some that may not be quite so familiar. This is an appraisal of how humans through the ages have dealt with heart break, joy, pain and celebration in the form of worship; the other side of the coin being an infiltration of a darker force, practiced usually in secret, and generally to be feared.
I have given here my thoughts with regard to the life of Jesus; who he really was; whether the Bible stories about his life are to be taken at face value; are the many translations and interpretations providing us with an accurate and unbiased view? Many of us believe in a higher power of some description, be it an idol, prophet, spirit, or some other form of significance, and I have attempted to explore just some of them that most of us are aware of.
My own ancestors were missionaries in India in the early 1800's, suffering severe hardship, but facing it all with courage and tenacity. Hopefully they will forgive this rather broad appraisal of a subject that has not only fascinated, but also transformed, many of us throughout our lives.
Phillippa Leslie
