The impact of religious belief on social and cultural norms has not been limited in time or place but has been a global phenomenon throughout recorded human history. Although increasingly challenged by modern secularism and atheism, the influence of religion on people’s lives remains strong in the modern world as well.
This work provides a three-volume overview of the ways in which religious faith has shaped societies from the ancient world until the present. Each volume focuses on a different era of world history, ranging through the ancient, medieval, and modern worlds, and includes essays that focus on religious themes from different geographical regions. For example, volume one offers a section with essays considering religion in ancient Rome, while volume three offers a section with essays considering religion in modern Africa. Such a layout makes it simple for a reader to find information about a particular religion in a particular era and place.
Altogether, this work gathers more than 500 essays from more than 150 scholars offering scholarly introductions to religious people, places, and events that have influenced the development of societies over the course of recorded human history.
