Product Description

Sacred Myths retells the best-loved stories of seven world religions: Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism. Also Native American and Earth-based traditions. Introduces the basic tenets of each religion; approved by religious authorities. Elaborate illustrations full of texture, depth and mystery, conveying the richness of spiritual heritages. Beautiful spread of The Golden Rule expressed in each religion. Glossary, Further Reading, Pronunciation Key.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #689649 in Books
• Published on: 1996-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 101 pages

From Amazon.com
Your children (and you) will fall into this book. Even before the stories begin, the illustrations envelop you in their lush, exotic worlds, where enchanted lakes yield treasure, virgins give birth, and elephants hold up the world. Marilyn McFarlane retells five classic stories in each of seven major religious traditions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Native American and a miscellaneous category of Greek and other pagan myths she calls Sacred Earth. Many you'll recognize -- David and Goliath, the Loaves and the Fishes, the Buddha and the Bodhi Tree -- and others will be as fresh and captivating to you as they are to your children. Appends useful Pronunciation Guide, Glossary and list of Further Reading.

From Publishers Weekly
At least one way of fostering tolerance and understanding is to introduce children to the grand diversity of the world's religious traditions and narratives. McFarlane has selected some of the best-known stories from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Native American religions and has rendered them in accessible prose with full-color, almost holographic, illustrations. McFarlane retells the myths of the founders of each of these religions, as well as the myths which narrate specific events such as the creation of the world. Thus, the author captures the beauty of the prophetic dream, telling her that her newborn son will become a great spiritual leader, that Siddhartha's mother allegedly had just before the birth of her son. She also narrates the myths surrounding the Hindu elephant-headed god, Ganesh, and his adventures. Since the tales McFarlane has chosen to include are key texts in the world's religions, the collection represents a very good introduction to these traditions. In addition to the 35 stories collected here, McFarlane has included a glossary, a pronunciation key, introductions to each section and a list of books to encourage further reading. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up. McFarlane retells 35 of the "best-known stories of the main religions in the world today." There are selections from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Judaic, and Native American traditions. The reteller also presents stories associated with Paganism, Neo-Paganism, Wicca, Goddess Religion, Eco-Feminism, New Age Spirituality, and the Old Tradition. Highly attractive full-color illustrations were created by the use of digital techniques. The stories are designated as myths, and the reteller explains that while not "literal fact," the myth conveys "an important truth about life." In a laudable effort to stress commonalties between religions, controversial aspects have been omitted. Also, in attempting to be clear, the author occasionally talks down to readers. Nevertheless, this title might be a starting point for guided discussion or further research, and the artwork will please browsers. Gods and Men (Oxford Univ. Pr., 1993), covers some of the same ground. That title is organized in thematic sections and includes tales from ancient Greece and Sumer.?Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.