Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Ancient Gods
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S): Willis, James Murray
BIRTHDATE: 4/1/1946
WEBSITE: http://www.jimwillis.net/
CITY:
STATE: SC
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
LC control no.: n 99053072
LCCN Permalink: https://lccn.loc.gov/n99053072
HEADING: Willis, Jim, 1946-
000 00465nz a2200121n 450
001 4906060
005 19990813142621.0
008 990722n| acannaabn |n aaa |||
010 __ |a n 99053072
035 __ |a (DLC)n 99053072
040 __ |a DLC |b eng |c DLC
100 1_ |a Willis, Jim, |d 1946-
670 __ |a Journey home, c2000: |b CIP t.p. (Jim Willis) data sheet (b. Apr. 1, 1946) galley (musican, college professor, ordained minister with the United Church of Christ; hobby is long-distance cycling)
PERSONAL
Born April 1, 1946; married; wife’s name Barbara.
EDUCATION:Eastman School of Music, graduated; Andover Newton Theological School, master’s degree.
ADDRESS
CAREER
United Church of Christ, minister; Mt. Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA, adjunct professor of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Jim Willis is a professional musician, a college professor, and an ordained minister for thirty-five years with the United Church of Christ. He is also adjunct professor of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies at Mt. Wachusett Community College. Previously, he was a high school orchestra and band teacher, an arts council director, and a drive-time radio show host. Willis holds a master’s degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School. He has written several books on religion, theology, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. An avid long-distance cyclist, Willis published his memoir, Journey Home: The Inner Life of a Long-Distance Bicycle Rider in 2000 which helped him deal with life’s changes. Illustrated by Stephanie Colby, the book follows a bicycle ride from Florida to Massachusetts. Along the way, Willis shares insights and life lessons.
The Religion Book
In 2004, Willis published The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers, an encyclopedia of religious information from Aaron to Zoroastrianism, from Christianity and Buddhism to Wicca, Rastafarianism, and Native American spirituality. He asks questions like are Nirvana and Heaven the same thing? Why are the Raelians cloning people? If killing is a sin, why are there jihads? The book consists of 500 pages that describe 300 religious people, places, prophets, scriptures, and religious practices. Descriptions range from half a page to several pages, and some entries are accompanied by black and white photographs.
Calling the book concise and accessible, Michele McGraw said in Library Journal that the descriptions “provide one to three reference sources for additional information as well as excerpts and quotations from religious texts.” Reference & User Services Quarterly contributor C. Brian Smith said the book was “broad-minded and even-handed in tone,” and added: “Willis has captured the ethos and connotation of religion, illustrating its richness and diversity, and his thirty years of teaching and ministerial experience are commendable….It’s difficult to stop perusing this book once you’ve opened it.” While the amount of information in the book can be confusing at first, Library Media Connection writer Bonnie Morris contends that “It is such a hodgepodge of interesting information, that one could check for almost anything and find its religious viewpoint.” Entries are cross-referenced, and the author has done a thorough job covering a broad range of topics—including abortion, Bigfoot, Helen of Troy, Kwanzaa, the Wailing Wall—in a fair-minded manner, noted Morris.
Armageddon Now
Willis next wrote the 2006 Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z with wife Barbara Willis. With 200 entries and one hundred illustrations, the authors provide numerous descriptions from history, science, and religion about how the world will end. Covering global warming, environmental disasters, virus outbreaks, nuclear war, astronomical events, political unrest, or financial collapse, the book covers pop culture, religious, and age-old ideas of Armageddon, and doomsayers and historical figures Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and Carl Sagan. The authors point to troubles in the Middle East, Ebola, environmental degradation, and destructive storms as possible signs of the end, as well as omens, biblical predictions, and asteroids.
“Armageddon Now is well written and informative and not at all pedantic. It is interesting to browse as well as use as a reference resource,” according to Abbie Landry in Booklist. In Library Journal, Mirela Roncevic praised “this A-to-Z overview of the history of apocalyptic beliefs.” A California Bookwatch contributor called the book “an excellent survey” for readers interested in the future and predictions, as well as the history of such predictions.
Snapshots and Visions
In 2009, Willis wrote Snapshots and Visions: A View from the Now. The book encourages people to reinvent themselves because the power lies in them, in both mind and genetics. Like all living things, humans have the ability to change and adapt for the better. Through slow changes, we adjust to differences whether physical or mental. Sometimes change is unconscious, yet we can encourage those changes in the right direction to achieve psychological, emotional, and spiritual changes.
Willis describes how we make countless choices throughout our lives to hopefully produce emotionally balanced adults. These choices can be good, productive, and constructive, but they can also be bad and dangerous. In the book, Willis says our choices help us learn lessons, good or bad, and learn the consequences of those choices. He explains how we can live through the consequences and make better choices.
Ancient Gods and Supernatural Gods
In 2017, Willis went on the search for ancient religions and lost technologies in Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence. Scouring the world for ancient constructions and evidence of high intelligence, he describes the Egyptian pyramids and the Sphinx, Nazca Lines, Easter Island statutes, Stonehenge and other monoliths, ancient languages, and astronomical observations. He contends that these structures, abilities, and archaeological wonders could provide clues to an ancient, more intelligent species or gods who imparted their wisdom to early human civilizations. He explores planetary catastrophes that doomed Atlantis and Mu, archetypal astronauts, old religions, Gobekli Tepe megaliths, and the Hopi creation story. Later in the book, Willis discusses theories about alien visitation, clues that could be in our modern DNA, theories of quantum physics and string theory, and out-of-body experiences.
According to a Publishers Weekly contributor, the “eclectic and intriguing alternate history…provides a fascinating theory and plenty of avenues for the curious to explore more fully.” The contributor noted the first half of the book describing a vast number of relics that shows and impressive architectural skill, such as the pyramid, but contends that the book’s second half discussing how advanced humans left clues through myths and religion for us to find was less convincing. Writing in Voice of Youth Advocates, reviewer Elizabeth Norton said: “Willis jumps around between topics and historical periods, suddenly drawing connections to previous chapters without notice.” Norton added that despite some photographs that break up the text, the text is too dense for casual browsing.
Willis’ next book, Supernatural Gods: Spiritual Mysteries, Psychic Experiences and Scientific Truths, surveys scientists and experts to try to answer questions of parallel universes, quantum entanglement, psychic ability, and supernatural phenomena. Willis discusses myths, stories, history, and science behind things like healing energy, psychic connections, earth spirits, animal envoys, miracles, dreams interpretation, alien visitation, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences. Using history, science, and religious stories, he pieces together mysteries that have the subject of human investigation for centuries.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, February 15, 2006, Abbie Landry, review of Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z, p. 125.
California Bookwatch, June, 2006, review of Armageddon Now.
Library Journal, June 15, 2004, Michele McGraw, review of The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers, p. 101; December 1, 2005, Mirela Roncevic, review of Armageddon Now, p. 170.
Library Media Connection, November 1, 2004, Bonnie Morris, review of The Religion Book.
Publishers Weekly, December 12, 2016, review of Ancient Gods, p. 143.
Reference & User Services Quarterly, December 1, 2004, C. Brian Smith, review of The Religion Book.
Voice of Youth Advocates, Elizabeth Norton, review of Ancient Gods, p. 77.
ONLINE
Jim Willis Website, http://www.jimwillis.net (October 1, 2017), author profile.
Home
About Us
Connections
Books
Contact Us
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PUBLICATIONS
Ancient Origins, "The Riddle of the Rock Piles - Effigies and Enigmas: A Southeastern Mystery Story (Part I)"
Ancient Origins, "The Northern Cross and the Birth of Shamanism: A Southeastern Mystery Story"
Ancient Origins, "Caves and Portals: The Mystery Beneath Us"
Ancient Origins, "The Christ and the Buddha: How Can You Explain the Uncanny Similarities?"
Ancient Origins, "Science Versus Religion on Our Ancient Origins: What if They're Both Wrong?"
Ancient Origins, "Did the Ancients Communicate with Worlds Unknown? Dowsing for Origins in Quantum Reality"
Ancient Origins, "Seafarers And Shell Rings: Strange Formations on the American Coast - a Hallmark of Faraway Visitors?"
Ancient Origins, "This Haunted World: You're a Part of It, and You Have Been for Thousands of Years"
Articles
When I retired after forty years in the Christian ministry I wanted to experience a passion similar to those who built Stonehenge. Their spirituality was so strong that it inspired them to move mega-ton boulders halfway across England. I retired with an agenda: “Okay God, it’s you and me. No church structures. No restrictions. No theology. No holds barred. Twenty-four hours a day. You are my only passion. You say you like a challenge? Bring it on!” Like Jacob of old who wrestled with God, I had one thought in mind: “I will not let you go until you bless me!” Imagine my surprise when God answered and did just that! And the answer was found in an ancient wisdom that would have been very familiar to our ancestors.
A1 Dowsing in an Age of Science
Coast to Coast Radio
www.coasttocoastam.com
Monday, September 4th - 1:00 AM EST
Jim Harold
jimharold.com
Tuesday, September 19
Dr. Rita Louise
justenergyradio.com
Thursday, September 28
Justin Brierly, Premier Christian Radio
www.premierchristianradio.com
TBD
**To schedule an interview, please use the contact form or contact Kae Tienstra at kae@ktpublicrelations.com**
Dowsing in Quantum Reality
RADIO INTERVIEWS
Copyright Jim Willis. All rights reserved.
10/2/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1506976619923 1/7
Print Marked Items
Willis, Jim. Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden
Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence
Elizabeth Norton
Voice of Youth Advocates.
40.1 (Apr. 2017): p77.
COPYRIGHT 2017 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC
http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
3Q * 2P * J * S * NA
Willis, Jim. Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence. Visible Ink, 2017. 432p.
$19.99 Oversize pb. 978-1-57859-614-0. Index. Maps. Charts. Illus. Chronology. Appendix. Further Reading.
This lengthy primer on unexplained phenomena introduces many topics. It begins with a Hopi creation story and draws
parallels from that story to cultures and religions across the globe. It then delves into various theories on the origins of
humanity. It also explores theories on topics ranging from Atlantis to Stonehenge and other megalithic structures, as
well as the construction of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. Finally, the author probes the theories of quantum
physics, string theory, and out-of-body experiences.
The tone of Willis's writing is light and conversational, with personal anecdotes and fourth-wall breaks sprinkled
liberally throughout. There are also numerous illustrations and photographs that help break up the text. Any one of the
topics covered would be enough for a book by itself, and taken together, the amount of information presented is
overwhelming. Willis jumps around between topics and historical periods, suddenly drawing connections to previous
chapters without notice, which is jarring to the reader. Although this book may find a niche audience with lovers of the
unexplained, the text is too dense for casual browsing, and the jumps between topics make it difficult to find specific
information. This title is a secondary purchase for collections where general books about the unexplained are needed.--
Elizabeth Norton.
Cutting Edge Technology. Referencepoint, 2016. 80p. $29.95. Index. Websites. Source Notes. Biblio. Photos.
Chronology. Further Reading.
QUALITY
5Q Hard to imagine it being better written.
4Q Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses.
3Q Readable, without serious defects.
2Q Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q.
1Q Hard to understand how it got published, except in relation to its P rating (and not even then sometimes).
POPULARITY
5P Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday.
4P Broad general or genre YA appeal.
10/2/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1506976619923 2/7
3P Will appeal with pushing.
2P For the YA reader with a special interest in the subject.
1P No YA will read unless forced to for assignments.
GRADE LEVEL INTEREST
M Middle School (defined as grades 6-8).
J Junior High (defined as grades 7-9).
S Senior High (defined as grades 10-12).
A/YA Adult-marketed book recommended for YAs.
NA New Adult (defined as college-age).
R Reluctant readers (defined as particularly suited for reluctant readers).
(a) Highlighted Reviews Graphic Novel Format
(G) Graphic Novel Format
Norton, Elizabeth
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Norton, Elizabeth. "Willis, Jim. Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence." Voice of
Youth Advocates, Apr. 2017, p. 77. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA491949570&it=r&asid=38c32d3c4686772316279c1f77cfdb9d.
Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491949570
10/2/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1506976619923 3/7
Willis, Jim & Barbara Willis. Armageddon Now:
The End of the World A to Z
Mirela Roncevic
Library Journal.
130.20 (Dec. 1, 2005): p170.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution
permitted.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
Willis, Jim & Barbara Willis. Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z. Visible Ink. 2005. 450p. photog, index.
ISBN 07808-0923-8. $58. REF
IS it the end of the world as we know it? According to a considerable minority in this country alone, the end just may
be near. How else can we explain the mind-boggling popularity of such prophets as Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce? If
your library caters to the converted, you may consider purchasing this A-to-Z overview of the history of apocalyptic
beliefs. In 200 entries, the Willises (The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers) tackle such topics as
collisions with asteroids, nuclear war, global warming, and more. Another title to consider is Brad Steiger and Sherry
Hansen Steigar's forthcoming Conspiracies and Secret Societies: The Complete Dossier (Visible Ink. Jan. 550p. ISBN
1-5785-9174-0. pap. $25.95) an A-to-Z of 300 people, places, and events that remain "shrouded in mystery in spite of
official explanations."
Roncevic, Mirela
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Roncevic, Mirela. "Willis, Jim & Barbara Willis. Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z." Library Journal, 1
Dec. 2005, p. 170. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA140306040&it=r&asid=0b0d326597467512320408252f9a7a60.
Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A140306040
10/2/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1506976619923 4/7
Willis, Jim. The Religion Book: Places, Prophets,
Saints, and Seers
Michele McGraw
Library Journal.
129.11 (June 15, 2004): p101.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution
permitted.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
WILLIS, JIM. The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers. Visible Ink, dist. by Omnigraphics. 2004. 490p.
photogs. index. ISBN 0-7808-0722-7. $52. REF
This concise and accessible encyclopedia contains nearly 300 entries on the world's major religions, as well as articles
on important holy places (e.g., Jerusalem, Mecca), prophets and historical figures (e.g., Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha,
Mahatma Gandhi), and spiritual practices and religions that predate organized religion (e.g., Native North American
spirituality).Willis, a minister with the United Church of Christ, focuses primarily on the history and current practice of
Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism. Islam, and Judaism but does not overlook the importance of ancient religions,
including Mithraism, the Orphic Gods, and the Red Paint People. There is also coverage of lesser-known contemporary
religions, such as Rastafarianism and different New Age movements. Varying in length from half a page to four pages
and often accompanied by black-and-white photos, the entries provide one to three reference sources for additional
information as well as excerpts and quotations from religious texts. Bottom Line While not as comprehensive as the one
volume Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions (1999), which provides significantly more text for about
the same price, this volume serves as a useful (and more current) introductory text on religion for students and informed
general readers.--Michele McGraw, Hennepin Cty. Lib., Edina, MN
McGraw, Michele
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
McGraw, Michele. "Willis, Jim. The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers." Library Journal, 15 June
2004, p. 101+. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA118597941&it=r&asid=f796298e507701a2beda56a87f7e21e6.
Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A118597941
10/2/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1506976619923 5/7
Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z
Abbie Landry
Booklist.
102.12 (Feb. 15, 2006): p125.
COPYRIGHT 2006 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z. By Jim Willis and Barbara Willis. 2005. 450p. illus, index.
Omnigraphics, $58 (0-7808-0923-8). 202.303.
Many people of various backgrounds believe that the last days are upon us and see the fulfillment of prophecies every
night in the evening news. Armageddon Now is a reference work covering "end-of-the-world scenarios" from biblical
accounts to the threat of nuclear war.
The work has 200 entries covering both the secular and the religious. One hundred black-and-white photographs and
illustrations accompany the text. The entries vary in length from several paragraphs on topics such as Dualism to the
six-page Armageddon. Many end with a brief bibliography of sources. Scientific articles include Earthquakes in various
places, Ecological exploitation, and Plagues. The article Rapture is typical of the religious entries. It begins with
biblical passages using the term; discusses the various problems or controversies, such as The nature of resurrected
bodies, and compares Old Testament and New Testament views. Most of the articles dealing with religion cover
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but other religions are also treated in such entries as Nordic" mythology of the
endtimes and Zoroastrianism. People such as Edgar Cayce, Albert Einstein, Nostradamus, and Carl Sagan are included.
Even Aliens and Unidentified flying objects have articles connecting them to Armageddon. The Left Behind books and
Hal Lindsay's Late Great Planet Earth are mentioned often as popular sources of information. The volume ends with a
bibliography of many of the sources cited in the text and a lengthy index with the main headings in boldface type.
Although thousands of books have been published on Armageddon, there are few current titles in a reference format.
Armageddon Now is well written and informative and not at all pedantic. It is interesting to browse as well as use as a
reference resource and is a recommended purchase for all libraries where this topic is of interest, especially public
libraries.
Landry, Abbie
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Landry, Abbie. "Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z." Booklist, 15 Feb. 2006, p. 125+. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA142638025&it=r&asid=78d0a3c893db1eb58ba8c2607841e926.
Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A142638025
---
10/2/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1506976619923 6/7
Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and
the Conspiracy of Silence
Publishers Weekly.
263.51 (Dec. 12, 2016): p143.
COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence
Jim Willis. Visible Ink, $19.95 trade paper
(400p) ISBN 978-1-57859-614-0
In this eclectic and intriguing alternate history, Willis argues that modern humans are not the first to achieve a
technologically advanced civilization. A previous group of advanced humans faced near-extinction after a series of
natural disasters, he writes, but managed to pass some of their knowledge to less advanced peoples who considered
them gods. In the first half of the book, Willis lays out an astonishing number of relics showing impressive skill and
keen astronomical knowledge, including megaliths, pyramids, and Nazca lines. To show the possibility of massive
disaster, he recounts theories of Atlantis, Mu, and other (firmer) archaeological evidence. Each receives quick
treatment, making the book better suited for skipping about than reading straight through. In the less convincing second
half, he attempts to prove that these advanced humans left bread crumbs for us to rediscover in myths and religion. This
requires more trust in his own readings of myth and science, especially as he includes advanced theoretical physics.
Despite the frequent mention of a conspiracy of silence, Willis is less clear on why scientists and historians would
oppose what he claims is obvious. Even if this history will not change minds, it provides a fascinating theory and plenty
of avenues for the curious to explore more fully. (Feb.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence." Publishers Weekly, 12 Dec. 2016, p.
143. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA475225119&it=r&asid=c4069ff162b2bde2e2006d3b2d99fa4b.
Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A475225119
---
10/2/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1506976619923 7/7
Armageddon Now
California Bookwatch.
(June 2006):
COPYRIGHT 2006 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Full Text:
Armageddon Now
Jim and Barbara Willis
Visible Ink
43311 Joy Road, #414, Canton, MI 48187-2075
0780809238 $24.95 www.visibleink.com
ARMAGEDDON NOW: THE END OF THE WORLD A TO Z covers the end of everything in all belief systems; from
the Rapture to scientific views of possible end of world scenarios. An A-Z arrangement looks at predictions, prophets
and science side-by-side, providing extensive listings, not just paragraph listings, of theology, including many quotes
from source materials. An excellent survey for any interested in future and prediction--or the history of such predictions
made in the past.
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Armageddon Now." California Bookwatch, June 2006. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA148483687&it=r&asid=5bc805604d74e08ecef57e4a9c2a7e04.
Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A148483687
Library Media Connection Date: November 1, 2004
Willis, Jim Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers 2004. 490pp. $52 hc. Omnigraphics. 0-7808-0722-7. Grades 9-12 K-5 6-8 9-12 This volume is a dictionary about religion, and covers the major religions of the world as well as a plethora of other information. The volume is arranged in alphabetical order and is very well indexed with many cross-references. Because of the broad scope of this volume, it contains some surprising entries. The user will find information on Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism but also, surprisingly, information on abortion, Bigfoot, Helen of Troy, Kwanzaa and much more. It is such a hodgepodge of interesting information, that one could check for almost anything and find its religious viewpoint. At first, this seemed confusing but after reading entries and examining the crossreferences the inclusion of a particular entry made sense. The author has done an amazing job of covering a broad topic in a fair-minded way. Author Jim Willis takes the reader to holy places such as the Wailing Wall and introduces the researcher to people such as Abraham and Saint Francis. It is interesting to page through this illustrated volume and read whatever entry catches one’s attention. It could be a helpful reference tool to help students begin to explore a huge variety of subjects. There is a great deal of historical information as well. With the current situation in the world today, it is very timely to read about Islam and Jihad. Recommended. , Media Generalist, Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Reference & User Services QuarterlyDate: December 1, 2004
The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers. By Jim Willis. Canton, Mich.: Visible Ink, 2004. 490p. $52 (ISBN 0- 7808-0722-7). Jim Willis, a minister and retired professor of comparative religion, leaves few stones unturned in The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers. This work is a one-volume guide to all matters supernatural and spiritual: deities, scriptures, prophets, holy sites, and more. Its purpose is to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about religion, and given the quality of the content and the author’s credentials, this book succeeds. Broad-minded and even-handed in tone, The Religion Book covers major world religions and then some. For instance, readers and researchers can find out about Western religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and Eastern religions (Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Hinduism). Moreover, Willis delves into Greek and Norse mythology in addition to spiritual practices that predated formal religion; there are entries on “Druidism,” “Native North American Spirituality,” and “Ancient Celtic Beliefs.” Other entries are more philosophical and theological, such as the articles on “Atheism/Theism/Agnosticism,” “God,” “Evil,” and “Theodicy.” The Religion Book does not shy away from controversial topics either; for instance, Willis devotes an entry to “Cult,” which highlights controversial figures (such as Jim Jones, David Berg, and David Koresh) and movements (People’s Temple, Children of God, Branch Davidians). New Age religions and practices (including channeling and UFO homage) are featured, as well as followings such as Rastafarianism and Black Muslims. All entries list at least one further source to consult and many include “see also” references. The Religion Book contains a bibliography as well as a comprehensive index. What’s more, this work includes black-and-white photographs and illustrations, adding to its appeal. 174 Reference & User Services Quarterly 44n2_final.qxd 1/11/2005 12:00 PM Page 174 Critics may contend that the scope of the work is problematic. The inclusion of legend and folklore, such as entries on the “Abominable Snowman,” “King Arthur,” and “Merlin,” for example, is indeed debatable. Those who cavil about the denotation of the word “religion” may not agree with some of this book’s contents. Still others may insist that a book of this breadth should showcase the combined work of multiple scholars and contributors, as opposed to one lone voice. Willis has captured the ethos and connotation of religion, illustrating its richness and diversity, and his thirty years of teaching and ministerial experience are commendable. Even the author himself admits in the Afterword, “encapsulating at least twentyfive thousand years of human religious experience between the covers of one book, I found, becomes, a daunting task. . . . This kind of book is never finished.” Overall, The Religion Book is eclectic, interesting, and informative, and the book’s subtitle, Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers, aptly describes what information is available within its pages. It’s difficult to stop perusing this book once you’ve opened it and started flipping through the entries. Recommended for both public and academic libraries.—C. Brian Smith, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Illinois