This book presents a fantastically comprehensive and intelligent look at all the world's religions, sects, cults, traditions, and ideologies. This is a comprehensive, intelligent and sympathetic guide to all the religions of the world, including the lesser-known traditions, sects, cults and ideologies. "The Thoughtful Guide to Religion" meets today's urgent need for a greater understanding of all religions on an individual, social and global basis. Using aspects from philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and numerous other disciplines, this volume tries to answer the questions - How does religion arise? How does it sustain itself? and Why does it unite some people while it ostracises others? This remarkable volume attempts to understand the most important aspects of all religions. Beginning with a look at myths, rituals, initiation and magic, and ending with a look at the elegant and mystical approach that some physicists have to their work, it provides a holistic approach for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding and appreciation of religion.