How Do You Spell God?

by Marc Gellman, Jos. A. Smith (Illustrator)

People don't want to learn about religions just because there are religions out there. People want to learn about religions because they know that religions have great answers to the big questions. Award-winning authors Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman have produced a unique way of looking at the world's religions. Instead of isolating each religion in its own separate chapter, this book unites the religions by showing how each of them answers these universal With a refreshing combination of humor and sensitivity, a rabbi and priest show us how Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and the other great religions teach us to live. This wise and often thoughtprovoking book shows us that each religion has its own wisdom and its own wonderful stories. It also explains who works for God, why the world's religions are so different, and why some days of the year have become holy. How Do You Spell God? helps us appreciate religions from all over the world. It will also help us better understand our planet, our families, and ourselves.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 1995

About the author

Marc Gellman writes a solo column at Newsweek.com, and along with his close friend Thomas Hartman, he co-hosts the cable television program "The God Squad." The rabbi-and-priest duo have made frequent appearances on Good Morning America, Donlmus, and other major media programs. In addition to being the authors of Religion for Dummies, they have written five children's books, including How Do You Spell God?, which was made into an animated, Peabody-award winning HBO special. Gellman is the senior rabbi at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, NY.

Reviews

[Diana H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors do a great job of explaining the differences-and even more so the similarities-between the world's religions in an uncomplicated, often humorous manner. As someone who's not particularly religious, it's nice to be reminded of all the good things religions actually believe in and do for people around the world (though they talk briefly about the bad stuff too). Jesse received this book for his bar mitzvah and now I know why. This book would still make a great gift for a young person (10-13ish) curious about why people around the world believe in such seemingly different ideas about what it means to be good - and what it means to be God.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple explanations of world's major religions. While the authors do point out the differences,
they emphasize the common themes and universal messages found in all of them. Helpful resource to have on hand.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ein nettes Buch für die rechte Zielgruppe - ich konnte leider wenig damit anfangen. Es ist sprachlich eindeutig, dass dieses Buch sich an Christen richtet. Das ist erst Mal nicht schlimm, allerdings hat es doch in einem informativen Buch einen komischen Beigeschmack.
Ich denke, für Kinder im Alter von 10-14 ist es ein nettes Buch zum Blättern oder ganz lesen, wobei sich meiner Meinung nach kein logischer Zusammenhang zwischen den Kapitel ergibt. Daher kann man sie auch einzeln lesen.

Wenn ich bedenke, dass dieses Buch vor 30 Jahren geschrieben wurde, ist es in Ordnung für die Zeit gewesen.

[Doris Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was probably aimed at the teenager, I liked it because it reminded me of things I had forgotten about the five great religions and taught me new things. I did not feel taught down to. I have always respected all religions and liked hearing more about them. Buddhism and Hinduism I knew least about, and this book was a great help in understanding them. The authors Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman I have always admired for their friendship and cooperation in their writings. Since Monsignor Hartman has died, I follow Rabbi Gellman's writings whenever I find them. I am glad I read this book.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good information on different religions.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book compares the 5 big religions of the world. How they answer the 4 big existential questions.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First heard of this book on Good Morning America years ago. Bought it first thing, I was intrigued by a book written by both a Catholic Priest and a Jewish Rabbi. And the fact they seemed such jolly friends intrigued me as well, not that it really was a shock or disbelief, but was refreshing to see two men of differing faiths be such chums. In this day and age, I am delightfully surprised and thrilled when you can have this interfaith communion without strife.

Anyway, about the book itself, it is a good reference and question and answer book. Questions you feel kinda stupid about asking but here would be the answers.

It has been a good long while since I read the book, so cannot give a good description here. Rest assured, unless you are an atheist, this book might have something for you. Especially if you are faced with answering some questions from children and such.

[Erika_kartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein besseres Kinderbuch über Religionen habe ich selten gelesen.

Einfach (aber ganz und gar nicht platt) werden hier kindgerecht die Religionen Christentum, Judentum, Islam, Hunduismus und Buddhismus erklärt.
Ganz toll finde ich, dass die Religionen nicht nur nacheinander, sondern auch gleichzeitig erklärt werden.
Wer seine Kinder zu toleranten Menschen erziehen möchte oder selbst prüfen möchte, ob er wirklich so tolerant ist, wie meint, der verschenke bzw. lese dieses Buch. Ich empfehle dringend, die gebundene Ausgabe zu verschenken, denn die kann man heimlich vorher selbst noch lesen.

[Bryon Graeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like Michael Scott "explain this to me like I am five" - this is a very easy read but so informative. Explains the similarities and differences between the world's major religions with an emphasis on the uniting similarities.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-teens should be encouraged to read this informative, accessible, and tolerant multi-faith overview before they dismiss spirituality or get locked into the religious biases and prejudices of their parents and friends and news headlines.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written to provide "Answers to the Big Questions From Around the World." It explores world religions, showing how they are alike and how they are different. It was written for young people but is appropriate for all ages.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely geared towards younger children but it does a really good job of explaining things simply.

[Carolynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

practical information; should read again at some point

[Sarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was good at then beginning, then my attention span began to dwindle...