"We are living now in a new religious age, and in order to effectively study human beliefs and the feelings and practices that accompany them, we need to understand not only traditional religions but ideologies as well. To this end, this book examines all of the major forces of belief and feeling that influence our world. Providing an excellent introduction to the modern study of religion, the author surveys current world events and draws parallels to the worldview aspect of human existence in its most crucial role." [Back cover].