A fact-filled introduction to philosophical, spiritual and religious traditions from around the world, from the earliest Confucian writings in China to the largely secular present. | Chapter 1 - Myths from Around the World: Creation stories, epic journeys by ancient heroes, and battles of the gods. | Chapter 2 - Many Gods: Sacred texts from India; Hindu gods and goddesses; Buddhism; Japan and Shinto. | Chapter 3 - All-Powerful Gods: The birth of Judaism; life as a Jew (practices and beliefs); Christ and Christianity; life as a Christian; Muhammad and Islam; life as a Muslim. | Chapter 4 - Philosophy and Ideas: Ancient Greece and the birth of philosophy; the Age of Reason; Darwin's theory of evolution; and equal world for all? (communism, feminism, civil rights); Earth's place in the universe.