{"product_id":"sacred-origins-of-profound-things-the-stories-behind-the-rites-and-rituals-of-the-worlds-religions-9780140195330","title":"Sacred Origins of Profound Things: The Stories Behind the Rites and Rituals of the World's Religions","description":"In this enlightening and entertaining work, \u003cb\u003eCharles Panati\u003c\/b\u003e explores the origins of hundreds of religious rituals, customs, and practices in many faiths, the reasons for religious holidays and sacred symbols, and the meanings of vestments, sacraments, devotions, and prayers. Its many revelations include: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e* Why the Star of David became the Jewish counterpart of the Christian cross\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e* What mortal remains of the Buddha are venerated today\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e* How the diamond engagement ring became a standard\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e* That the first pope was a happily married man\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e* How Hindu thinkers arrived at their concept of reincarnation\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e* Why Jews don't eat pork, why some Muslims don't eat certain vegetables, and how some Christians came to observe meatless Fridays\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSacred Origins of Profound Things\u003c\/b\u003e is an indispensable resource for all those interested in the history of religion and the history of ideas--and an inspiring guide to those seeking to understand their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCharles Panati\u003c\/b\u003e, a former physicist and for six years a science editor for \u003cb\u003eNewsweek\u003c\/b\u003e, has made a career out of exploring the origins of things. He is the author of thirteen fiction and nonfiction books, including the bestselling \u003cb\u003eExtraordinary Origins of Everyday Things\u003c\/b\u003e. He lives in Long Island, New York.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Penguin Publishing Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50904302747922,"sku":"9780140195330","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_4193a5c4-750d-4b40-b542-97758b578308.jpg?v=1738513492","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/sacred-origins-of-profound-things-the-stories-behind-the-rites-and-rituals-of-the-worlds-religions-9780140195330","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}