Significant Others: Understanding Our Non-Christian Neighbors

by Monte Cox

A generation ago, most Americans had little or no contact with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, or any other adherents of non-Christian religions. Now our culture is much more pluralistic. In addition to these "others," many Westerners, disenchanted with Christianity, are more inclined than they were a generation ago to dabble in new spiritual alternatives that were not as readily available here before. Many Christians feel intimidated by these changes.

Many Christians don't know how to engage their newest non-Christian neighbors in conversation, partly because they feel ignorant about the religions practiced by others. Significant Others seeks to fill this knowledge gap so readers will become more acquainted with the religious backgrounds of devout non-Christians they are meeting, as well as with the growing number of American people who claim no religious affiliation at all.

Each chapter outlines the major world religions according to their significant founders or leading figures, significant beliefs and practices, significant sects and developments, and significant points of contact and points of contrast with Christian faith.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2017

Reviews

[David Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for the Living World Religions course with Dr. Cox. It is well thought out and well written.

[Ben Kindall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for Dr. Cox’s class.

[Ylva · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Significant Others, Monte Cox gives an overview over the most important religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Jainism, Shintoism, Bahai and Native American and Chinese spirituality.

He starts each chapter with examples of how an individual might live out a particular religion with different levels of devotion. He then explains the history and the core beliefs of that religion. In a last step, he points out the most significant points of contact and points of contrast between that religion and Christianity.

I really enjoyed reading Significant Others. The author had a very clear and understandable style. It was easy to follow his thoughts. He makes learning about other religions interesting and fun. I learned a lot of new things that I hadn't learnt at school or in my every day life. I also liked the sections about the similarities and differences between these religions and Christianity which provide an excellent base for talking to members of those religions. They also help to better understand their beliefs and traditions.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning about other religions. It might also be useful for people that are working in the mission field or in other intercultural contexts.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy via netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message of Significant Others is critical in our age of pluralism. Pluralism supports the validity of each person or groups’ choice of religion or spirituality if it is something positive for them. It is based on relativism--that there are no absolutes, there are no exclusive claims that one religion can impose on another, there is no ultimate written authority or sacred book that is to be esteemed above all others. Cox is clear that he adheres to a Biblically evangelical faith based in Christ’s claims. But he departs from a conservative right wing Christian position that denounces all other religions as false. Instead, he advocates the importance of finding common ground with those of other religions—not to affirm their equal truth but to bring grace and truth to them and present Jesus through dialogue and friendships in a way that draws people to Christ and not repels them. Therefore, one of the most helpful parts of the book for Christians in each chapter is his 'points of comparison' and his 'points of contrast' as he teaches Christians how to bridge to people of different faiths and how to share Jesus in the midst of the differences. His book is really a primer on world religions, the very area of his expertise in teaching. Five stars. Dr. ML Codman-Wilson, Ph.D.

Excerpts:
“Paul models for us that the right kind of engagement with religious ‘others’ (and all others for that matter) is respectful, informed, and persuasive…One of the many qualities I find most endearing about Jesus is his inclusive demeanor towards others, even as he makes exclusive claims about himself and his role” (p. 21)

“As messengers we are not surprised to find truth in other world religions and affirm it as truth when we find it. God is the author of all truth” (p. 30)

“Meaningful relationships start with listening…Most of us don’t know where to begin to plug the holes in our knowledge of the different faiths of our newest neighbors. But messengers are not interested in caricatures that demean people and their beliefs. We care about getting our information straight. Accuracy matters” (p. 30)

“Jesus embodies what meaningful interaction requires. John says of him that he was ‘full of grace and truth’ (1:14). It moves me to see that combination of grace and truth fleshed out in Jesus’s dealings with others…We represent him well only when we reflect the same combination” (p. 232).

[Kyle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Significant Others solo and apart from the accompanying videos, and still had a very beneficial experience. Though it's been on my docket, a random increase in a few people I met recently from other faith traditions pushed me to read it promptly. I think the ideal experience would be reading chapters alongside of the videos in a small group setting or a small Bible class. I will be making a push to do both, as our community continues to reflect greater religious pluralism.

Cox clearly demonstrates extensive and firsthand familiarity with the other faith traditions covered. He communicates with respect and appreciation toward these "significant others", while writing unapologetically from a distinctively Christian position. I think he is modelling the very goals he has for his readers, namely, respectful interaction with those from different faiths and meaningful Christian witness. His "Points of Contact" and "Points of Contrast" are especially practical and helpful.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finish this book relieved -- at the clear respect for humanity, the careful research both by information and interview, honesty about the author's viewpoint -- Some favorite phrases -- 'Truth comes from the Divine source regardless of who repeats it .. ' -- This from a Christian self-identified as exclusionist. The last chapter is really the author's statement of belief, and coming from that community, I recognized us .... I also recognized other people I care about throughout ... feel like there's been a brief comparative religions genetics study. Keeping it on my shelves.

[David Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple book from a Christian perspective outlining general beliefs and practices of non-Christian religious people. It also speaks of how Christians can find common ground with their non-Christian neighbors. It's a good introduction for Christians who are encountering people from different backgrounds.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives great information on various world religions. It also compares/contrasts them with Christianity. The religions discussed: Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Baha'i, Jain, Native American, Chinese, Shinto.

[Faith 09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly open-minded christian book.

[Brady Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed the last chapter of the book. I also really appreciated the points of contrast/contact sessions. I wish he would have elaborated a little more on these sections.

[Byron Fike · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a mantra when it come to non-Christian religions: Be Respectful, Be Informed, Be Persuasive. Each chapter follow this ideal as he briefly discusses the major world religions as well as others that are less well known yet influential on our pluralist culture here in the states. I read the book and showed the accompany dvd to an adult Bible class. I feel the material put us all in a better position to speak to our neighbors about their faith in ways that indeed would be respectful, informed and persuasive.