"...illuminating..." -- John Pridmore, The Way"...Tweed's book is strong on historizing and contextualizing religion..." -- Michael Stausberg, Religion"A compact introduction filled with marvelous insights. Global in approach, sensitive to historical context and nuances, Professor Tweed's book is an amazingly accessible introduction to a complex field. Supported by the strength of his rigorous scholarship through the decades, he makes a compelling case about why all of us-- and not just college students-- should study and better understand religion. A veritable tour de force which should be mandatory reading for every public official and everyone in institutions of higher learning." -- Vasudha Narayanan, Distinguished Professor, Department of Religion, Director, Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions, University of Florida