A convention used for glossary items is that the first time a glossary term appears in an introductory discussion, it is highlighted. Study questions follow each section and subsection, there being fifteen sets in all. The order of questions follows, generally, the order of selections in each section or subsection. But there is also a second ordering principle that in most cases dovetails with the first, a principle having to do with inviting different kinds of student response. Let me explain.
Some questions target specific views and arguments, suggesting rather specific answers.
Other questions raise issues for reflection where there is no clearly right or wrong answer with respect to the readings. As far as possible, while honoring the order of the readings, I have tried to organize each set of study questions to range from those presented first, where a rather definite answer is expected, to those presented last, where it is more appropriate to respond creatively. Nevertheless, questions appearing earlier tend to test students' comprehension of readings, whereas those appearing later tend to invite students to think on their own about issues and arguments. In addition to a glossary, the book includes a Guide to Further Reading and a Pronunciation Guide written for native speakers of English in North America with respect to classical Arabic, Sanskrit, and Chinese. The Guide to Further Reading lists both classical and contemporary material, primarily the well-recognized pivotal and seminal works usually mentioned in philosophy of religion textbooks.