Recommended texts

I've decided I need to increase my own awareness of different religions and cultures.

Could anyone point me in the right direction for good, modern English translations of some major religious texts, e.g. Qur'an, Bible, and others (Buddhism, Hinduism, etc).

Of perhaps a History of religion and spirituality from different perspectives? Or differing theologies?

Thanks in advance.

The Pali Canon ( http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/index.html ) is the set of teachings generally considered by scholars to represent the historical Buddha's life of teaching. It is massive in its size and profound in its breadth and depth.

After the Buddha's life came to an end, many great practitioners wrote commentary on the Buddha's words and many included their own experience to the mix. These are called shastra. Again, an enormous amount of material.

The link will get you going as to Buddha's original teaching. Feel free to pm me if you want to ask questions or need help.

Originally posted by PawnCurry
I've decided I need to increase my own awareness of different religions and cultures.

Could anyone point me in the right direction for good, modern English translations of some major religious texts, e.g. Qur'an, Bible, and others (Buddhism, Hinduism, etc).

Of perhaps a History of religion and spirituality from different perspectives? Or differing theologies?

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by telerion
The Bible. It has all the answers for every question.
Or the Qu'ran. It also has all the answers for every question.

I would try to pick up a good Comparitive Religion text. That said, I have no clue as to which one you should purchase. Actually, which one should I purchase?

Originally posted by PawnCurry
I've decided I need to increase my own awareness of different religions and cultures.

Could anyone point me in the right direction for good, modern English translations of some major religious texts, e.g. Qur'an, Bible, and others (Buddhism, Hinduism, etc).

Of perhaps a History of religion and spirituality from different perspectives? Or differing theologies?

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by Pullhard
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

An interesting look at the origins of modern christianity.

😉

Originally posted by Coletti
If you hadn't winked.... 😉

Originally posted by Pullhard
I winked to ensure I didn't offend anyone. I'm sure there are people on these forums who would take huge offense to my suggestion. I think all interested in religion should read it though. A great book!

Check out the "Urantia Book". Pull it up online, and see what you think.

Originally posted by Coletti
Are you then un-winking. Then I am offended. 😠

Originally posted by sasquatch672
Wow, the Catholic Church has been all over the Da Vinci Code. And they actually come out and take it apart piece by piece.

Now I believe Catholic doctrine (I really do). But what takes more of a stretch to believe - that Jesus and the Virgin Mary ascended bodily into heaven, or that Mary Magdalene bore Jesus' child and fled to teh south of Franc ...[text shortened]... kept secret and protected by the Priori of Scion.

It's quite a tantalizing tale, indeed.

Originally posted by PawnCurry
I've decided I need to increase my own awareness of different religions and cultures.

Could anyone point me in the right direction for good, modern English translations of some major religious texts, e.g. Qur'an, Bible, and others (Buddhism, Hinduism, etc).

Of perhaps a History of religion and spirituality from different perspectives? Or differing theologies?

Thanks in advance.