Encyclopedia of Global Religion

In their introduction, editors Juergensmeyer and Roof (both: U. of California, Santa Barbara) identify global religion as an emerging field and specify the ways in which this two-volume reference differs from other resources pertaining to the study of religion. These differences include the fact that every entry (all are written by leading authorities) "...illumines some aspect of global religion or a subject related to it, such as globalization, transnational activity and themes, and aspects of global society including nationalism, terrorism, cyber culture, and the effects of information technology." Roughly 750 entries encompass a remarkably inclusive selection of topics, meaning that this reference "...contains an essay on the religious aspects of every nation in the world....No other sourcebook is as culturally diverse and geographically comprehensive." Entries are alphabetically arranged and include biographies, concepts, events, influential texts, movements, traditions, and social issues. Like other offerings from Sage Publications, this encyclopedia is thoughtfully prepared and includes a Reader's Guide in the front matter that sorts entries by theme, plenty of cross references and further-reading suggestions in each entry, and a detailed index. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)