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Sacred Origins of Profound Things: The Stories Behind the Rites and Rituals of
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Sacred Origins of Profound Things: The Stories Behind the Rites and Rituals of the World's Religions Paperback - 1996

by Charles Panati

In this enlightening and entertaining book, the author of Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things covers the spectrum of religious items and ideas, exploring the origins of sacred practices and customs, the reasons for religious holidays, the meaning of vestments, sacraments, and more. Line illustrations.


Summary

In this enlightening and entertaining work, Charles Panati explores the origins of hundreds of religious rituals, customs, and practices in many faiths, the reasons for religious holidays and sacred symbols, and the meanings of vestments, sacraments, devotions, and prayers. Its many revelations include:

* Why the Star of David became the Jewish counterpart of the Christian cross

* What mortal remains of the Buddha are venerated today

* How the diamond engagement ring became a standard

* That the first pope was a happily married man

* How Hindu thinkers arrived at their concept of reincarnation

* Why Jews don't eat pork, why some Muslims don't eat certain vegetables, and how some Christians came to observe meatless Fridays

Sacred Origins of Profound Things is an indispensable resource for all those interested in the history of religion and the history of ideas--and an inspiring guide to those seeking to understand their faith.

From the publisher

In this enlightening and entertaining work, Charles Panati explores the origins of hundreds of religious rituals, customs, and practices in many faiths, the reasons for religious holidays and sacred symbols, and the meanings of vestments, sacraments, devotions, and prayers. Its many revelations include:

* Why the Star of David became the Jewish counterpart of the Christian cross

* What mortal remains of the Buddha are venerated today

* How the diamond engagement ring became a standard

* That the first pope was a happily married man

* How Hindu thinkers arrived at their concept of reincarnation

* Why Jews don't eat pork, why some Muslims don't eat certain vegetables, and how some Christians came to observe meatless Fridays

Sacred Origins of Profound Things is an indispensable resource for all those interested in the history of religion and the history of ideas--and an inspiring guide to those seeking to understand their faith.

From the rear cover

In this enlightening and entertaining work Charles Panati explores the origins of hundreds of religious rituals, customs, and practices in many faiths, the reasons for religious holidays and sacred symbols, and the meanings of vestments, sacraments, devotions, and prayers. Its many revelations include why the Star of David became the Jewish counterpart of the Christian cross; what mortal remains of the Buddha are venerated today; how the diamond engagement ring became a standard; that the first pope was a happily married man; how Hindu thinkers arrived at their concept of reincarnation; and why Jews don't eat pork, why some Muslims don't eat certain vegetables, and how some Christians came to observe meatless Fridays. Sacred Origins of Profound Things is an indispensable resource for all those interested in the history of religion and the history of ideas - and an inspiring guide to those seeking to understand their faith.

Details

  • Title Sacred Origins of Profound Things: The Stories Behind the Rites and Rituals of the World's Religions
  • Author Charles Panati
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 608
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Books, New York
  • Date 1996-12-01
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780140195330 / 0140195335
  • Weight 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.5 in (23.37 x 15.49 x 3.81 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Religious Orientation: Christian
    • Theometrics: Secular
  • Library of Congress subjects Rites and ceremonies, Religions
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 96014594
  • Dewey Decimal Code 200

Media reviews

Citations

  • Library Journal, 12/01/1996, Page 100
  • New York Times, 01/12/1997, Page 20
  • Publishers Weekly, 10/28/1996, Page 72

About the author

Charles Panati, a former physicist and for six years a science editor for Newsweek, has made a career out of exploring the origins of things. He is the author of thirteen fiction and nonfiction books, including the bestselling Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things. He lives in Long Island, New York.
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