Christianity and World Religions: An Introduction to the World's Major Faiths

by Derek Cooper

Derek Cooper examines the rival worldviews found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and irreligion. He engages these worldviews from a Christian perspective, first by showing how the biblical authors engaged other religions and then by surveying the way Christian theologians have done so. Each chapter contains six (i) a creation story, (ii) the religion’s historical origin, (iii) its beliefs, (iv) religious writings, (v) worship practices, (vi) as well as Christian reflections on the religion. For those who would like to read more, the appendix includes lists of helpful primary and secondary books.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Derek Cooper (PhD, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia) is associate professor of world Christian history at Biblical Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Exploring Church History and Christianity and World Religions: An Introduction to the World's Major Faiths, and he is the coeditor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture volume on 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles.

Reviews

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Christianity and World Religions, Derek Cooper discusses six of the primary world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism and Islam) and then offers two sections on Christian responses to those religions. Each chapter explores the beginning of the faith (especially its creation stories) and the historical origins with a brief overview of the development of the religion over time. Then, Cooper goes on to discuss the sacred texts, central beliefs, and distinct worship practices. He ends each chapter by pointing out what (he has found) the best way to reach people of those faiths from the Christian experience (essentially, asking how we begin to talk to people of other faiths about Christianity).

After surveying those faiths (the so-called “the six rival stories to Christianity” (p. 172), Cooper goes on to analyze what or who these gods of other faiths may be, suggesting they could be demons. He gives a myriad of (especially Old Testament) references in support of this position, meaning that the gods are real, but demons; and they were given dominion for a time over various regions of the world. But rather than ruling as they ought, they demanded worship, and so people gave them that worship (138-9).

The final chapter deals with salvation. Cooper outlines five Christian views of salvation for those “outside” the faith: inclusivism, exclusivism, pluralism, universalism, and particularism. While Copper does not advocate for any one position, he does suggest that both inclusivism and exclusivism have a more solid Biblical foundation than the others (168). He concludes by exhorting his readers to the mission field, suggesting that the mission field is coming even closer to home (174).

If anyone is looking for a brief introduction to the world’s major religions from a Christian perspective, this is a great place to get started. Of course, it is impossible to replace the value of reading the original source material. But what makes this book so valuable is its high level of scholarship in an incredibly accessible style.

[Joshua Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful, clear, and concise introduction for the uninitiated to the study of world religions – beautifully presented with full colour images, tables, and quotations in the margins. Considers Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, and Islam before proceeding to consider the various ways in which Christians have engaged with people of other faiths – suggesting methods for constructive dialogue.

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Today the Muslim world is no longer somewhere else." In fact, a number of different religious viewpoints are likely represented in your backyard, and for that reason, it is important for Christians to acquaint themselves with worldviews different than their own.

This is an excellent book for that purpose. Derek Cooper provides general overviews of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, and Islam, and then offers explanations of the different Christian theological responses -- inclusivism, exclusivism, pluralism, universalism, and particularism.

Of these views, particularism (p. 164f) is the most recent and least known. It is the view that since each religion has its own particular goal or aim, it is inappropriate to apply the Christian view of salvation to them. Buddhists, for instance, might reach nirvana, but they will not find "salvation" as Christians understand it, because that's not what Buddhists pursue.

The advantage of this perspective is that it honors the distinctives of each religion. Ironically, pluralists dishonor world religions by suggesting they are in essence all the same. A Muslim, for instance, does not want to be told that his religion is basically the same as Judaism. The problem with particularism, however, is that it suggests that ultimate reality (the divine) is dependent upon what people make it. It's hard to conceive how mutually exclusive views of God can all simultaneously be true.

For some this book might seem too general, but that's what makes it such a good introduction to the topic. Cooper is definitely writing from a Christian perspective, but he is always fair and respectful to the religions he describes, which is an important lesson for all Christians to learn.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a seminary professor, this book was based on his classes and is intended to be used as a textbook. I found it to be well-organized and quite readable, even by laypeople. I particularly liked the "Points of Contact" sections in each chapter, which suggested common ground between Christianity and each faith. I expect to use this book as a reference in future interfaith dialogues in my community.