In this systematic and accessible analysis, Harold Coward carefully explores the scriptures - written and spoekn - of six major world faiths. He examines their interpretation, their role in devotion and education, and their relationships with each other.From the Torah to the Qur'an, the New Testament to the Theravada canon, this concise introduction to scripture in the world religions offers a thorough evaluation of the sacred word and its role in religious tradition. IN a systematic and accessible analysis of six major faiths, the author carefully explores the scriptures -written and spoken - of each, examining their interpretation, their role in devotion and education, and their relationship with each other, Key areas covered include: what makes a sacred text - what the different religions call "scripture"; the lives of the ancient scribes and the rituals governing their work; revelation, reception and transmission of the holy word; materials and methods: from papyrus and palm leaves to printing; language, mantra and sacred sound. Combining an authoritative a survey with a unique perspective on the transforming power of the spoken word, this text should be of interest to students, academics and anyone interested in the wore religions.

"nice introduction to how several major world religions view and use scripture." - World Faiths Encounter