Synopsis:
Charles Panati ventures into the sacred world, exploring the roots of symbols, practices, rituals, holidays, customs, devotions, and personae heavenly and saintly of the world's religions, primarily Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, but also venturing out to Hinduism, Buddhism and elsewhere when his search takes him there. The book tells the stories behind the second coming, stigmata, Papal infallibility, beatification, original sin, confession, the Shroud of Turin, the Ark of the Covenant, extreme unction, angels, Satan, the Hail Mary, the Maltese Cross, Passover, Ramadan, the 12 days of Christmas, and more.
From the Back Cover:
In this enlightening and entertaining work Charles Panati explores the origins of hundreds of religious rituals, customs, and practices in many faiths, the reasons for religious holidays and sacred symbols, and the meanings of vestments, sacraments, devotions, and prayers. Its many revelations include why the Star of David became the Jewish counterpart of the Christian cross; what mortal remains of the Buddha are venerated today; how the diamond engagement ring became a standard; that the first pope was a happily married man; how Hindu thinkers arrived at their concept of reincarnation; and why Jews don't eat pork, why some Muslims don't eat certain vegetables, and how some Christians came to observe meatless Fridays. Sacred Origins of Profound Things is an indispensable resource for all those interested in the history of religion and the history of ideas - and an inspiring guide to those seeking to understand their faith.
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