Religion - Religions and Worldviews

This textbook aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon of religion and the diverse worldviews that have shaped human civilisations from antiquity to the present day. It has been written to support students, educators, and readers who wish to deepen their understanding of the role of religion in personal and social life, as well as its relationship with philosophy, ethics, and culture.Our approach is interdisciplinary. Theology, history, philosophy, and the social sciences all contribute to explaining how human beings have expressed their need for transcendence and meaning through religious experience. Religion, as a universal human phenomenon, unites and at the same time distinguishes civilisations, influencing moral values, artistic expression, and political structures.The present work does not aim to promote a particular faith, but rather to encourage an open and critical engagement with the religious dimension of human existence. Through examples drawn from major world religions, sacred texts, and philosophical traditions, we hope to highlight both the similarities and the unique characteristics that define humanity's search for God and truth.