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Handbook of World Religions
Confused by the varying religious views in your workplace, neighborhood, even your family? Check out the Handbook of World Religions-contrasting 50 faiths with Christianity. Christians believe Jesus' claim to be "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6)-though dozens of other religions propose varying pathways to God, heaven, or ultimate personal fulfillment. Describing these alternate viewpoints fairly and non-judgmentally, the Handbook of World Religions features major world faiths (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism), Christian-based religions (Mormonism, the Unification Church, Christian Science), traditional religions (African, Chinese, Native American), and various hard-to-categorize beliefs (Gnosticism, Hare Krishna, New Age Spirituality, Rastafarianism, Wicca). This fully-illustrated guide is a fascinating and useful tool to help Christians understand others' beliefs.
258 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
4 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Len Woods
41 books5 followersA graduate of LSU (journalism) and Dallas Seminary (theology), Len is a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Copywriter who writes words that help good companies and customers who need their products or services find each other.
A former pastor and ECPA Gold Medallion Award-winning author, Len also writes about the agonies and ecstasies of the spiritual life.
Find out more at lenwoods.com (or thewoodswords.com, the blog Len shares with his wife Cindi).
A former pastor and ECPA Gold Medallion Award-winning author, Len also writes about the agonies and ecstasies of the spiritual life.
Find out more at lenwoods.com (or thewoodswords.com, the blog Len shares with his wife Cindi).
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 25, 2016
Len Woods has served in the pastoral capacity for nearly thirty years. He holds a “degree in journalism from LSU and a Masters Degree of Theology from Dallas Theological seminary.” He has written many books and continues to write full time. Currently he and his wife are blogging together. Considering that this text contains fifty religions one can only imagine the amount of time Woods invested in research. The book has an extensive bibliography indicating extensive research.
The introduction to every book normally contains the purpose and intent of the author. Woods identifies that everyone believes in something, an obvious truth. However, there is the challenge everyone faces as they must deal with those nagging questions about life. Woods makes it clear that each religion will only include a synopsis and falls short of an extensive study. He also is disinterested in “bashing” other religions, but he does clarify that the book will be written from a Christian perspective. (iv)
In the conclusion of his introduction he establishes two conclusions from his research. He writes, “the human race is thoroughly religious (some skeptics prefer to say “incurable”) … I am struck by the uniqueness of the Christian faith. The Gospel (literally “good news”) of Jesus really does stand apart from all other religions of the world.” (v) The main difference, a merit system contrasted with grace. (vi)
The succinct explanation of each religion includes a quote by either the founder, or a leader within. Each religion is contrasted with basic Christian beliefs and this addition is helpful to the reader enabling the recognition of likeness or difference. The comparison and contrast includes, “sacred text(s), nature of God, Jesus Christ, human nature, about human need, salvation, and the afterlife.” (vi)
Each chapter is the same, examining the number of followers, major figures/prophets, short history, basic beliefs and values, view of God, worldview, worship services, and important dates. The chapters are color coded and includes a diversity of colors adding to the aesthetics of the book, it also helps the reader to find specific information quickly. Signs and symbols for many of the religions are also included within the chapters.
The writer is true to his word; the fifty chapters include a summary of the religion. It was very difficult to read because the reading became repetitive. It is amazing how many different religions overlap one other, but it led to tedious reading. This book would be better used for research; it was not an enjoyable or easy read. It was not complex or overly academic, much of the information overlapped and mentally it begins to run together.
Woods provided some great information and his research was thorough. However, some of the information was unnecessary. For example, in some cases he included (with several religions) the celebrities who follow the particular religion. The secular world loves to dive into and divulge the personal affairs of famous people and Hollywood celebrities. What celebrities do and believe seems rather important to secular media and magazines, the reason why is unclear. It is even more disappointing that a Christian author had to include such unnecessary information. Why would the reader care what religion celebrities practice?
Another unusual occurrence was examined within the church of Satan. This particular section is already slightly burdensome because of the belief system. It should make any Christian a little uncomfortable to read this chapter. Particularly, it was odd that Woods recorded a ritualistic satanic chant. It is abnormal (for me) to neglect reading a portion of the book. However, this section I skipped over. I cannot understand what profit exists in recording this chant, and I felt very uncomfortable as I almost accidentally read it. I had chills as I read this chapter. Perhaps self inflicted, but as it is, anything that revolves around the worship of Satan makes me very uncomfortable. It is clear that this chapter must be included, but not everything needed to be included.
The book concludes abruptly with no appendixes, glossary, or dictionary. The book contains an extensive bibliography, but the system was unlike any other. The sources are documented one right after the other with no designation other than the name of each religion. All the information is crammed together and there are no footnotes or numbering within the chapters. Woods only writes, “an online source.” This method can be rather than confusing for some readers. Woods did provide photo credits, which is rather unusual, but an interesting resource.
Woods has certainly done his research. Researching and documenting fifty religions is a monumental task, not one that I would like to tackle. Readers are indebted to him. I am indebted to him. The book will remain a valuable resource. In the future I would rather not read such a book straight though. As I already mentioned, it was a tedious (and at times a boring) task.
The introduction to every book normally contains the purpose and intent of the author. Woods identifies that everyone believes in something, an obvious truth. However, there is the challenge everyone faces as they must deal with those nagging questions about life. Woods makes it clear that each religion will only include a synopsis and falls short of an extensive study. He also is disinterested in “bashing” other religions, but he does clarify that the book will be written from a Christian perspective. (iv)
In the conclusion of his introduction he establishes two conclusions from his research. He writes, “the human race is thoroughly religious (some skeptics prefer to say “incurable”) … I am struck by the uniqueness of the Christian faith. The Gospel (literally “good news”) of Jesus really does stand apart from all other religions of the world.” (v) The main difference, a merit system contrasted with grace. (vi)
The succinct explanation of each religion includes a quote by either the founder, or a leader within. Each religion is contrasted with basic Christian beliefs and this addition is helpful to the reader enabling the recognition of likeness or difference. The comparison and contrast includes, “sacred text(s), nature of God, Jesus Christ, human nature, about human need, salvation, and the afterlife.” (vi)
Each chapter is the same, examining the number of followers, major figures/prophets, short history, basic beliefs and values, view of God, worldview, worship services, and important dates. The chapters are color coded and includes a diversity of colors adding to the aesthetics of the book, it also helps the reader to find specific information quickly. Signs and symbols for many of the religions are also included within the chapters.
The writer is true to his word; the fifty chapters include a summary of the religion. It was very difficult to read because the reading became repetitive. It is amazing how many different religions overlap one other, but it led to tedious reading. This book would be better used for research; it was not an enjoyable or easy read. It was not complex or overly academic, much of the information overlapped and mentally it begins to run together.
Woods provided some great information and his research was thorough. However, some of the information was unnecessary. For example, in some cases he included (with several religions) the celebrities who follow the particular religion. The secular world loves to dive into and divulge the personal affairs of famous people and Hollywood celebrities. What celebrities do and believe seems rather important to secular media and magazines, the reason why is unclear. It is even more disappointing that a Christian author had to include such unnecessary information. Why would the reader care what religion celebrities practice?
Another unusual occurrence was examined within the church of Satan. This particular section is already slightly burdensome because of the belief system. It should make any Christian a little uncomfortable to read this chapter. Particularly, it was odd that Woods recorded a ritualistic satanic chant. It is abnormal (for me) to neglect reading a portion of the book. However, this section I skipped over. I cannot understand what profit exists in recording this chant, and I felt very uncomfortable as I almost accidentally read it. I had chills as I read this chapter. Perhaps self inflicted, but as it is, anything that revolves around the worship of Satan makes me very uncomfortable. It is clear that this chapter must be included, but not everything needed to be included.
The book concludes abruptly with no appendixes, glossary, or dictionary. The book contains an extensive bibliography, but the system was unlike any other. The sources are documented one right after the other with no designation other than the name of each religion. All the information is crammed together and there are no footnotes or numbering within the chapters. Woods only writes, “an online source.” This method can be rather than confusing for some readers. Woods did provide photo credits, which is rather unusual, but an interesting resource.
Woods has certainly done his research. Researching and documenting fifty religions is a monumental task, not one that I would like to tackle. Readers are indebted to him. I am indebted to him. The book will remain a valuable resource. In the future I would rather not read such a book straight though. As I already mentioned, it was a tedious (and at times a boring) task.
January 3, 2017
Looking for a book on world religions can be tricky. Initially, it would seem that you would look for a book that is from a neutral perspective. This way, there would be no bias and we could get "just the facts, ma'am." But then reality kicks in. There are no "uninterpreted facts" and everyone brings their own bias. That is just the nature of being human.
From a Christian perspective, while it may allow for the claim of arrogance and intolerance from naysayers, we do have access to truth. The truth. So when we view things, especially those things religious in nature, we should view them through the lens of God's revelation to man. To do otherwise would be to embrace a misunderstanding of whatever we seek to know.
And if you are looking for a book on world religions from a distinctly Christian perspective, get this one. Seriously. It is quite good. From content to presentation, this book is A+.
Woods presents different world religions, or worldviews would be a good term since certain views are included that would not traditionally wear the label of "religion", and he presents them from the viewpoint of a Christian.
Each worldview gets a basic overview including: basic beliefs, sacred texts, Nature of God, does/how does it present Jesus Christ, human nature, basic human need, salvation, and afterlife. Also, if applicable, it covers some historical figures, calendar dates, and historical dates.
The format is beautiful and makes you want to read it. The colors and patterns are engaging but not distracting from the text. This would make a wonderful textbook for a basic world religions course taught from a distinctly Christian perspective. Beyond that, it makes a great reference text to keep around and it is immensely readable, to the point where someone could sit down and read large sections straight through.
I cannot say enough good about this book. It is great.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
From a Christian perspective, while it may allow for the claim of arrogance and intolerance from naysayers, we do have access to truth. The truth. So when we view things, especially those things religious in nature, we should view them through the lens of God's revelation to man. To do otherwise would be to embrace a misunderstanding of whatever we seek to know.
And if you are looking for a book on world religions from a distinctly Christian perspective, get this one. Seriously. It is quite good. From content to presentation, this book is A+.
Woods presents different world religions, or worldviews would be a good term since certain views are included that would not traditionally wear the label of "religion", and he presents them from the viewpoint of a Christian.
Each worldview gets a basic overview including: basic beliefs, sacred texts, Nature of God, does/how does it present Jesus Christ, human nature, basic human need, salvation, and afterlife. Also, if applicable, it covers some historical figures, calendar dates, and historical dates.
The format is beautiful and makes you want to read it. The colors and patterns are engaging but not distracting from the text. This would make a wonderful textbook for a basic world religions course taught from a distinctly Christian perspective. Beyond that, it makes a great reference text to keep around and it is immensely readable, to the point where someone could sit down and read large sections straight through.
I cannot say enough good about this book. It is great.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
July 20, 2015
The simple way to consider religions is like this: "Every world religion - DO. Christianity - DONE". It really doesn't get more simple than that, religion is man's way to come up with something to make himself right with God. With Christianity, Jesus did it all, we just need to believe it an accept that.
For those who like details though, this book really lays out what many religions teach or believe and compares it with Christianity. While this does not contain each and every religion, cult or "ism" it does have most of them.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in looking to other faiths, especially if you are curious about Christianity and how it differs from each. This book helped me a lot when I was curious about other faiths.
For those who like details though, this book really lays out what many religions teach or believe and compares it with Christianity. While this does not contain each and every religion, cult or "ism" it does have most of them.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in looking to other faiths, especially if you are curious about Christianity and how it differs from each. This book helped me a lot when I was curious about other faiths.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews