UNDERSTANDING WORLD RELIGIONS: The comparative religions course many have taken doesn't hold a candle to "What You Should Know About World Religions" by Sister Charlene Altemose MSC. Brief and informative, and easy to read, this book offers a path for those trying to follow the ecumenism path of the late Pope John Paul II. In a small book, she captures what is important about the seven major world religions, and what Catholics can learn from them. Sr. Altemose uses all three of her degrees in this book: education, theology and journalism. The first chapter is an overview - exploring the different religions and what the people who follow those paths understand are the elements and purpose of religion. The real meat of the book is the next three chapters: One on religions of the East (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto); then the religions of the West (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). The final chapter is on the Catholic Church and its attitude toward other religions. As an overview, the book gives brevity to the major topics, though there's certainly enough there for anyone seriously starting to explore the topic.

Cost: $4.95 (softcover, 80 pages); Size: 5 by 7 3/8"

From: Liguori Publications; One Liguori Drive; Liguori, MO 63057; 800-325-9521;

www.liguori.org

FROM: CRUX OF THE NEWS