A fundamental tool for Christians and all who aspire to understand the religious and cultural life of the world. This magisterial work explores the position of the world's religions within their socio-cultural systems and explains the relations between Christianity and the non-Christian religions, East and West, the clash of cultures and the movement of divine and human forces that are changing the pattern of man's life. Dr. Hendrik Kraemer received his doctor's degree in Oriental Languages, Cultures, and Religions from Leiden University. He became Professor of the History and Phenomenology of Religions in the Theological Faculty of the University of Leiden (Netherlands). He was Director of the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches at Bossey (near Geneva) and was Fosdick Visiting Professor at the Union Theological Seminary, New York.