Description During this time of conflict and suspicion, it is perhaps more important than ever to understand the beliefs and philosophies of other cultures. This book provides a useful guide to the world's most popular religions--Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism--describing their origins and history, beliefs, worship and sacred writings, but also investigates many of the smaller and lesser known religions as well as newer movements such as Scientology, Wicca and Ra lism. About the Author Gordon Kerr is the author of several titles including A Short History of Europe, A Short History of Africa, A Short History of China, A Short History of Brazil, A Short History of the First World War and A Short History of the Vietnam War .