Book excerpt: This Dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format.Abridged from the acclaimed Oxford Dictionary of World Religions this is the most comprehensive dictionary of religion available in paperback. Written by an expert team of contributors, the volume contains over 8,200 entries, an extensive topic index, and an original and in-depth introductory essay.The editor, Professor John Bowker, is an established authority on religious studies and a well-known broadcaster on BBC Radio and the World Service.Containing entries on religions, movements, sects, and cults, texts, individuals, sacred sites, customs, ethics, and themes, this dictionary is both extensive and accessible. Fully cross-referenced for ease of use, it is suitable for anybody interested in finding out more about the religions of theworld.