Religion Past and Present This link opens in a new windowReligion Past and Present (RPP) is a complete, updated English translation of the 4th edition of the highly respected 13 volume encyclopedia of religions, Religion in Geschichte und Gegenwart (RGG). Interdisciplinary articles cover a wide range of topics from history, archaeology, liturgy, law, bible, music, visual arts, politics, social sciences, natural sciences, ethics, and philosophy.