RELIGIONS OF THE AXIAL AGE An Approach to the World's Religions

Muesse approaches his subject matter--Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism--with gracious humor and open humility. His gentle Southern accent occasionally makes Chinese and Sanskrit terms sound a bit odd, but his measured delivery suits the complexity of the material wonderfully. His personal accounts of what he's learned from studying these religions, and, more generally, from studying this pivotal period in world history, are essential in making these 24 lectures pleasant. They are an approachable introduction to these often misunderstood religions. Muesse is skilled at linking aspects of these ancient traditions to contemporary life and demystifying complex concepts? and he's honest enough to admit when certain mystical concepts, like the Tao, can't be simplified. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]