The study which forms the basis of this book was first undertaken as preparation for a course a lectures delivered for the Extramural Department of the University of Liverpool and as part of the Divinity course at Chester College of Education. It attempts to provide a broad survey of the nature of religious language, to clarify the meaning of the terms used and to outlines its development. While particular attention is paid to the Hebraic-Christian tradition, this is set within the larger context of world religion and seen against the background of mythology. It seeks, therefore, to be a guide to a vast subject and will have achieved its purpose if a basis is given on which further study can be undertaken.