Phenomenon of Religion
"Religion," says Momen (Introduction to Shi'i Islam), "is a phenomenon that has proven difficult to define." Momen's perspectiveAthat religion can only be grasped as a fluid, multifaceted manifestationArequires a broad grasp of many disciplines and a comprehensive appreciation of the methods and complexities that contribute to the plethora of world faith traditions. To his credit, Momen does this and more. He steers clear of a strictly Western vision, utilizing Baha'i and Asian traditions as well as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to exemplify and contrast the conceptual, social, and experiential aspects of religion. Running over 600 pages (including index and glossary), his book covers a tremendous amount of territory, including the arts, gender, archetype and myth, and theories of religion. Comprehensiveness gives way to a certain level of reductionism, but the book's strength is its breadth. Recommended for general religion and seminary collections.ASandra Collins, Univ. of PittsburghCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.