Exploring the worldś 12 most influential religions, OĆallaghanś guide explains the history and development of each religion, geographic and political origins, its founder and any significant figures, core beliefs, rituals, observances, attitudes toward women and marriage, and even related personal grooming and attire. The book profiles Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Bahaí, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto, concluding each chapter by summarizing contemporary challenges of each faith and listing additional resources. For those wanting to compare universal truths and common customs, this colorfully illustrated reference is a helpful tool.