The third in a set of volumes devoted to eastern religions, the others focusing on Islam and Hinduism, this new work by John Renard offers questions a curious student or person in the pew might ask about Buddhism, then answers them in a clear, logical manner. Arranged in nine sections to parallel the structure of the other two books, this volume explores: I. and II. Historical background about the beginnings and spread of Buddhism, along with attention to the various ranges of Buddhist sacred scripture. III.-V. Questions on doctrine, ritual, legal and ethical problems, and spirituality. VI. How Buddhism has contributed to developing and communicated thought, humanistic learning and the arts. VII. Buddhism's relationships with other traditions. VIII. Matters pertaining to women, family and gender. IX. Items of contemporary interest, such as the Dalai Lama, environmental issues and the connection between health and spirituality. Included are a Buddhism timeline, a chart of major Buddhist lineages and index. Sure to be as popular as his other volumes,with which it forms an indispensable set for personal and scholarly use, this work is perfect for world religions courses, interfaith discussion groups, and curious readers.