Sacred Origins of Profound Things: The Stories Behind the Rites and Rituals of the World's Religions

Sacred Origins of Profound Things: The Stories Behind the Rites and Rituals of the World's Religions
ISBN-10
0140195335
ISBN-13
9780140195330
Category
Religion
Pages
608
Language
English
Published
1996-12-01
Publisher
Penguin
Author
Charles Panati

Description

In this enlightening and entertaining work, Charles Panati explores the origins of hundreds of religious rituals, customs, and practices in many faiths, the reasons for religious holidays and sacred symbols, and the meanings of vestments, sacraments, devotions, and prayers. Its many revelations include: * Why the Star of David became the Jewish counterpart of the Christian cross * What mortal remains of the Buddha are venerated today * How the diamond engagement ring became a standard * That the first pope was a happily married man * How Hindu thinkers arrived at their concept of reincarnation * Why Jews don't eat pork, why some Muslims don't eat certain vegetables, and how some Christians came to observe meatless Fridays Sacred Origins of Profound Things is an indispensable resource for all those interested in the history of religion and the history of ideas--and an inspiring guide to those seeking to understand their faith.

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