Bøker av Carl Olson

This book examines a possible source for the origin of religion, using the theory of evolution and findings from cognitive science. It adds a theory of power to suggest the agency of early Homo sapiens.

Carl Olson is Professor of Religious Studies at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. His previous books include The Indian Renouncer and Postmodern Poison: A Cross-Cultural Encounter and The Theology and Philosophy of Eliade: A Search for the Centre.

Historical Dictionary of Buddhism, Second Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 900 cross-referenced entries on important personalities as well as complex theological concepts, significant practices, and basic writings and texts.

Conventional approaches to Hinduism typically stress its classical religious tradition with an emphasis on the Brahmin texts and practices. This introductory text provides a view of this religious tradition, acknowledging a range of its many competing and even contradictory aspects.

In the early 21st century, Buddhism has become ubiquitous in America and other western nations, moving beyond the original bodhi tree in India to become a major global religion. During its journey westward, it has changed, adapted to new cultures, and offered spiritual help to many people looking for answers to the problems of life. It is being studied in institutions of higher education, being practice by many people, and having its literature translated and published. The A to Z of Buddhism covers and clarifies Buddhist concepts, significant figures, movements, schools, places, activities, and periods. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 700 cross-referenced dictionary entries.

This is an introductory text on the development of Buddhism, from the life of the historical Buddha to the present day. It introduces the main branches of Buddhism and explores its geographical spread, philosophy, ethical and political implications, and contemporary reinterpretations as well as focusing on the role of women in the tradition.

Ramakrishna was a nineteenth-century Bengali devotee of Kali, the Hindu goddess of death and destruction. He assumed the demeanor and dress of a woman, acted like a monkey, a child, a madman, and a comedian at various times during his career. Using the concept of play (lila), as both spontaneous activity and dramatic performance on behalf of Kali, Carl Olson provides a interpretive key for unlocking Ramakrishna''s life and his often contradictory forms of behavior.Olson places Ramakrishna in his social and historical context, examines his relationship to women, and investigates his status as a mystery or stranger to his contemporaries.