Religion influences the views and actions of many people, in both political and personal ways. To make sense of many historical and current events, to learn how many people find meaning and purpose in their lives, students and the general public need to understand the development and doctrines of the world's religions. UXL's World Religions Reference Library meets the demand for a thorough, objective resource covering the history, traditions and worldviews of dominant and less prominent religions and their sects and offshoots. The two Almanac volumes focus on Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism. Less traditional and practiced religions are also included including Shinto, Taoism, the Occult and New Age. The two Biographies volumes cover the lives and influence of key figures in various religions and religious movements throughout history. Biography entries include Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Moses, Isaiah, Mary Baker Eddy, Black Elk, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Gandhi, Mother Theresa and others. The Primary Sources volume excerpts and explains scriptures, official pronouncements, spiritual writings and other sources that allow students to gain an appreciation of the core beliefs of the world's religions. Includes a separately published comprehensive index.