Religion

With no founder, prophet or book recognised as a definitive authority, Hinduism is notable for its diversity. Jawaharlal Nehru, independent India’s first Prime Minister, described it as being “all things to all men”. Here, Hindu practitioner and scholar Sravana Borkataky-Varma explains the essence of the religion, and recommends five books that are informative for readers who are familiar with Hindu traditions as well as those who are looking for their first introduction.

In the West, Daoism (also spelled 'Taoism' in English) has sometimes been reduced to a 'go with the flow' approach to life, but there's a lot more to it than that. Simon Cox, a scholar and martial arts teacher, recommends five books that demonstrate Daoism's "robust intellectual and aesthetic traditions" since the movement first appeared in China two-and-a-half millennia ago.

During Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast during daylight hours and refrain from sinful behaviours. We asked Tharik Hussain, author of acclaimed travelogue Minarets in the Mountains and the new companion guide Ramadan Mubarak, to choose five texts that offer readers insight into the true meaning of Ramadan.

The Bible is not always an easy read—nor is it always obvious how or where to start reading it. Here, Nicholas King, a Jesuit priest and biblical scholar, chooses five books to help you start getting to grips with what is, arguably, the world's all-time bestselling book.

Religion is deeply bound up with politics in the United States, in a way that is unique in the developed world and among democratic countries. Here Professor John H. Smith, a historian at Texas A&M University, looks at the historical roots of this phenomenon and its contemporary significance.

What is the Buddhist equivalent of the Bible? What is the Dalai Lama's favourite book? Buddhist scholar Donald Lopez recommends some of his favourite books on Buddhism.

China is a religious country with all kinds of faiths being practised across its vast territories—despite Mao's attempts to eradicate them. The Chinese Communist Party tolerates a variety of religions but continues to grapple with the potential challenge they pose to its authority. Prize-winning journalist Ian Johnson introduces the best books on the complex topic of religion in China.

Mormonism is an entirely home-grown American religion. Nevertheless, as historian Benjamin E. Park explains, it struggled to win social acceptance in the United States in the 19th and early 20th century and that marginalisation profoundly shaped its development and, to some extent, its doctrines.

To the modern reader, Neoplatonist thinkers can seem quite alien, but engaging with them helps us to understand ourselves and modern philosophy better, says Ursula Coope, Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Oxford. She recommends five books to introduce readers to Neoplatonist philosophy, starting with Plotinus in the 3rd century.

Is the existence of God incompatible with evil? What is the difference between 'classical theism' and 'theistic personalism'? What is the best argument against there being a God?  From Aristotle through Aquinas to the present, philosopher Edward Feser gives an in-depth look at arguments for the existence of God.