What is the Handbook of Religions?

The scientifically grounded reference work on all religions in the German-speaking world

Articles are published in German with English abstracts (from supplement 57 onwards). This information page is available in multiple languages.

The Handbook of Religions is a unique, scientifically grounded reference work — unparalleled in scope and comprehensiveness — covering the entire spectrum of religions in Germany and the German-speaking world.

Subject Spectrum

It provides authoritative and up-to-date information on:

  • The Orthodox Churches
  • The Roman Catholic Church
  • The Protestant Churches
  • Other transdenominational movements
  • Ecumenical efforts
  • Christian faith communities outside the major churches
  • Judaism
  • Islam
  • Communities that have emerged from Islam (e.g., Ahmadiyya, Alevis, Baha'is)
  • Other smaller religions (e.g., Yezidis, Mandaeans)
  • Buddhism
  • Asian groups and movements, or those originating in Asia
  • Other new movements (e.g., Grail Movement, Fiat Lux, Scientology, etc.)
  • Sikhism
  • Jainism
  • Ethnic religions (e.g., Neo-Germanic groups, Neo-shamanism, Wicca, etc.)
  • Ethics

Scope and Currency

  • 704 Scholarly articles
  • approx. 11,000 pages Scope (and growing)
  • EL 89 Current supplement
  • 4 × approx. 160 pages/year Supplements

The work provides comprehensive information across approximately 11,000 pages (and growing) on history, core religious tenets and authorities, organization and dissemination, religious practice, relations with the state and other religions.

Four supplementary issues are published annually, each containing approximately 160 pages. These provide ongoing updates on new developments and address changes.

Research Capabilities

To meet the need for guidance in both practice and academia, the handbook provides references to important literature, new publications, and addresses, including web links for contacting organizations. It enables research into topics such as:

  • Requirements and challenges regarding immigration and integration
  • Dangers posed by certain groups and "sects"
  • Dealing with believers in distress, illness, and dying
  • Heaven, hell, and reincarnation
  • The role of women in religious communities
  • Fundamentalism and violence
  • Religious socialization
  • Core values
  • Ecumenical bridge-building
  • Statistical data and facts

Scientific Quality

The result is a practical handbook that — authored by a team of competent experts — provides scientifically grounded guidance.

  • All contributions undergo a peer-review process.
  • All articles are assigned a DOI.
  • ISSN 2510-6740

Prof. Dr. Michael Klöcker

Gründungsherausgeber · em. · Universität zu Köln

: Wikipedia · GND

Prof. Dr. Udo Tworuschka

Gründungsherausgeber · em. · Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

: Wikipedia · GND · Wikidata

Who is the handbook indispensable for?

  • Libraries
  • Religious scholars and theologians
  • Pastors and military chaplains
  • Sociologists
  • Teachers
  • Educators
  • Social educators
  • Psychologists and psychotherapists
  • Those working in immigrant services
  • Those working in adult education
  • Government agencies and counseling centers in social services and healthcare
  • Politicians and governments from the local to the federal level
  • Physicians and healthcare professionals
  • Journalists and editors
  • Those interested in culture

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