Canonical Texts

Book excerpt: Canonical Texts: Selections from Religious Wisdom Traditions is the first anthology of its kind that serves as an entry point for students into some of the most profound ideas of the ages. This collection of readings of sacred texts is drawn from the central canons of religious traditions from around the world. Selections from Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native Traditions are compiled for their readability. They are carefully edited by Professor Thomas Jerome Burns, who situates each tradition and its canonical work, so that the student has a blueprint to engage the text. Key features of Canonical Texts include: - Delivers a rare combination of both primary sources and meaningful commentary upon them, integrated into one volume. - Designed for the student with no academic background in the respective traditions, while providing a rigorous yet accessible introduction. - Encourages students to consider many of the central ideas of the world's major wisdom traditions. Thomas Jerome Burns, editor, received his PhD in Sociology in 1990 from the University of Maryland, and currently is Professor of Sociology and a faculty member in Religious Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He was formerly on the faculty at the University of Utah, where he won the College of Social and Behavioral Science's Superior Teaching Award. In his research, Professor Burns examines how cultural and organizational systems, such as religion, education and politics develop in relation to one another in light of their comparative and historical contexts, and how those systems have social outcomes in terms of human well being and long-term sustainability.