An updated and revised edition of one of The Complete Idiot's Guidespopular religion and history titles. Additional information about Jews in early American history through the 19th century. Expanded coverage of Jewish history and culture in the places you might least expect - Asia and South America. Jewish history and culture brought up to date to 2004.
This second edition updates and revises one of The Complete Idiot's Guidesmost popular religion titles. New topics covered- How the winds of change have affected the major denominations of Judaism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. New times, new concerns-what about the role of women in Judaism, gay rabbis, interfaith marriages? And can a clone count for a Minyan? Gazing into a crystal ball, Judaism and the future-can the present population preserve a religion? Is Israel making it harder or easier for Judaism to survive? And is there a difference between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism? First edition has netted 1.3K
An insightful look at one of the most unusual written works ever created. Compiled centuries ago by a group of wise men as a way to preserve the oral traditions of the Jewish faith, the Talmud has challenged and thrilled some of the world’s greatest minds with its complex approach to exploring ideas and subjects from virtually every possible angle. This essential guide makes the ancient text of the “oral Torah” accessible for all readers, whether they’re Jewish or not. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get. • An examination of Talmudic logic and debate. • Discussion of how science and medicine relate to Talmudic philosophies. • Description of proper behavior and conduct as expected within Talmudic lifestyle. • The significance of seeds and blessings found in the Talmud.
An up-close and up-to-date look at an often misunderstood faith This completely revised and updated guide explores the tenets of the Qu’ran (a.k.a. Koran), examines the history of the religion and its relationship to Christianity and Judaism, and features an expanded section on the true story behind “jihad.” It explores Islamic views on war and terrorism, including the Muslim perspective on the tragic events of September 11, and the subsequent U.S. presence in both Afghanistan and Iraq. • Excellent sales for the first edition • Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, with more than six million devoted followers • Features an expanded section on women in Islam, including their status within the Taliban, and the Islamic practice of polygamy
Provides an introduction to the command center for United States miliary operations, and discusses the history of the physical structure, its organization, personnel, and some of its residents including the CIA, NSA, and NIMA.
Provides insight into biblical stories, miracles, and figures through historical context and scholarship, and explores the present controversies over lost texts, creationism, and archaeological findings.
Offers an introduction to Italy's history and culture, from ancient Rome and the power of the Vatican to Mussolini's rise to power, Milan's fashion designers, and Italian cuisine.
Where it all began—for two billion followers worldwide The most popular religion in the world has a variety of doctrines, beliefs, and practices. This book helps its legion of followers to better understand where it all began, while exploring everything from how early Christians lived to Jesus’ initial message and its impact on the church. • Explores every aspect of the church and the roots of its core beliefs • Easy to understand and use • Covers the hot topics of Christianity—women in the church, Gnosticism, politics, and more • Author is a well-known scholar and expert on ancient Christianity
Let's face it- most students don't take calculus because they find it intellectually stimulating. It's not . . . at least for those who come up on the wrong side of the bell curve! There they are, minding their own business, working toward some non-science related degree, when . . . BLAM! They get next semester's course schedule in the mail, and first on the list is the mother of all loathed college courses . . . CALCULUS! Not to fear-The Complete Idiot's Guide to Calculus, Second Edition, like its predecessor, is a curriculum-based companion book created with this audience in mind. This new edition continues the tradition of taking the sting out of calculus by adding more explanatory graphs and illustrations and doubling the number of practice problems! By the time readers are finished, they will have a solid understanding (maybe even a newfound appreciation) for this useful form of math. And with any luck, they may even be able to make sense of their textbooks and teachers.
