Religions: Overview

This insightful book introduces children to the world's most popular religions. It looks at the origins, special heroes and teachers, basic beliefs, sacred texts and symbols, ways of worship, special days, rituals, works of art, and places of worship associated with each religion. The book also highlights the basic principles of religions such as truth, kindness, acceptance, peace, and love. Learning similar aspects of religions, such as prayer, worship, ritual, and celebration, helps foster greater understanding and respect.

The Questions Dictionary of Religious Education will help a readers understand unfamiliar and difficult new words and concepts as all entries are classified by the use of symbols for: people and places signs, symbols and word pictures in religion worship and traditions in religion seasons and festivals in religion.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, safeguarded by the Australian Constitution; individuals are free to express a diversity of views, as long as they do not incite religious hatred. This book provides an overview of the latest trends in religious affiliation in Australia. The book also explores human rights and religion in Australian law, in response to recent calls for stronger legislative recognition and protection of religious freedoms, including exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. How much vilification is experienced by religious groups in Australia? Should faith-based organisations be allowed to discriminate to avoid injury to religious sensitivities? Is there enough separation between religion and the state, or should Australia's government be more secular?