This book is part of a series, presenting a basic overview and, in some cases, some basic history, of major world religions and belief systems.The book is a full script version of an accompanying slideshow (available for free on Slideshare: https: //www.slideshare.net/CaraGadel/a-fascinating-and-exciting-introduction-to-studying-world-religions-basic-concepts-ideas). Rather than a traditional manuscript, this is a full script powerpoint, with visuals and point-by-point bulleted explanations. The purpose of this series is to support an understanding of the development of major belief systems and their impact on the development of world civilizations and history. The series aims to provide a secular, academic overview of the religions presented.This book is especially ideal for: - Secondary/high school or university students enrolled in any World or European History course would benefit considerably from reading the books in this series. - Secondary/high school or home schooling students, in the US or abroad, who are planning to take the AP, IBDP, or SAT II Subject exam. It is not necessary to enroll in an AP class to take the AP exam. Students taking national exams pertaining to history in countries outside the US, such as A-Levels, the Abitur, and Le Bac, may also be tested on this content. -University and secondary/high school instructors of World or European History, Philosophy, Religion, and/or certain Literature courses, especially those who are new to the material. Many of those who are charged with the task of teaching about world belief systems have never had a comprehensive course in this content themselves.- Parents, who want to support students enrolled in a course in which this content is relevant, including but not limited to courses pertaining to History, Philosophy, and Religion. - Professionals, such as those involved in diplomacy, or corporate expats, whose work requires a deeper understanding of World History and/or of Comparative Belief Systems. - People who love to learn, especially those who want to know more about global issues and connections among current events.- Anyone who is interested in World History, and/or the history of Asia, the Middle East, and/or the West. This series of books on World Religions focuses (primarily) on the major belief systems - some of which might not necessarily fall under the definition of "religion" - that have heavily influenced major world civilizations. Having a clear concept of the belief systems for the regions and time periods one studies will have a significant impact on one's understanding of the course content of one's history classes. Much of the content covered in this series will be reflected in some form on the AP World History, AP European History, SAT World History, and IBDP exams, national exams outside the US (A-Levels, Abitur, Le Bac, etc) and/or in any university level course you take pertaining to these subjects. A basic understanding of these belief systems and their influence on the political, social, cultural, and even economic structures is central to developing a good grounding in the history of the regions in which they were prevalent.This book is available in three different formats: - Kindle E-Reader- Printable black and white paperback- A glossy color printable edition is also available for students who wish to have a better view of the art and graphics presented in the book.The basic slideshow is also available on Slideshare: https: //www.slideshare.net/CaraGadel/a-fascinating-and-exciting-introduction-to-studying-world-religions-basic-concepts-ideas