William Paden's classic exploration in religious studies, with a new introductionIn the current climate, Interpreting the Sacred provides a fresh, thorough way to consider and compare various religious belief systems. Paden puts forth the idea that our understanding of religion influences our understanding of ourselves and our world. Updated with a new introduction, this book is for anyone who wants to consider and discuss religious beliefs.

Outlines an understanding of the central categories of all religious thought and ritual and uses examples from a number of religious traditions to introduce gods, ritual observance, and the language of myth