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A comprehensive introduction to the religions of the world analyzed from a Christian perspective
Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions covers more than 200 religions, sects, and cults, most of them ones the reader might encounter on any given day. It is the most complete and up-to-date Christian guide to world religions. Perfect for the student as well as the layperson. Written by leading expert in religions, James A. Beverley.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
I'm Not Impressed,
By RebelReader (U.S.A) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World (Hardcover)
Pros
Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions covers more than 200 religions, sects, and cults, most of which the reader might encounter in everyday life. The information for the most part is fairly presented, and his research is well organized, which is impressive. Features of this book include 1. Historical information on each of the major religions with detailed timeliness. 2. Profiles of each group's primary leaders 3. An inventory of key principles and beliefs of each religion 4. An analysis and critique of religions from a Christian Perspective 5. Opinions and commentary on the controversial issues related to specific religious groups 6. Recommended resources- bibliographic information and extensive internet sources for further study 7. Ten tests for truth in religion- a set of multifaceted tests that Christians should apply when approaching the faith traditions of others and their own faith. 8. Many photos and side notes related to the religion being disgust Cons I would like to note that this book is written by one man, and contains his opinions based on his research, and world view. If your looking for a guide to world religions this book may or may not be for you. At the end of each chapter is the author's opinions ,and critique of each religion from an Evangelical view point. Writings based on opinion have a tendency to get away from the truth and become offensive. The author at times presents himself as over judgmental, especially in regards to the Catholic Christian Faith. My Personal Opinion. I was looking for a book based on factual information about world religions, not a book clouded by one man's opinions. The author does very well with his information, and research. Though I must point out at times his information seems to have a slightly judgmental tone. In the author's opinions and critique section he often contradicts his own research. When one compares the Catholicism information section, to the author's opinions and critique section the result is very contradicting and condescending. The most offensive part of this section is the author's opinion on the pagan influence in Catholic Tradition. A Quote from Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: by James A. Beverley "Catholic traditions have often been mixed with pagan customs in ways that detract from the main teachings of the gospel" As a Catholic Christian and as someone who deeply loves the Lord Jesus I find this very offense. All of the Catholic Traditions I am aware of, in one form or another directs one to Christ in a more intimate way. After seeing the author' negativity towards Catholicism and that certain views are altered by his opinions makes me question the validity of the rest of the book.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
a good introduction but not the last word,
By
This review is from: Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World (Hardcover)
James Beverly has put together an 800 page reference for Evangelical Christians titled, Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions, A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World. Beverly is Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Ontario. He's published other titles on other religions previously.
His topics range from Branch Davidians to Islam, Scientology to the Moonies. He also has separate chapters on the Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic churches. Why a group of a few hundred at most is considered alongside a group of one billion is somewhat mystifying. However, the introduction clarifies that he intends the book "as a guide to understanding some of the most controversial religious groups and issues." p.1 The rogue's list of Chrisitan Sectarian Groups in chapter 5 is depressing reading, especially the frequency of sexual perversion in these groups. He does not hold much weight in the concept of brainwashing, but he does think social pressure in high intensity religious groups is a serious concern. I've done plenty of reading about Mormonism and engage the young missionaries whenever they come to my door, so I was interested in his chapter on them. He did an excellent job on their theology. I have an editing complaint however. He concludes the chapter with a discussion of the contemporary Mormon polygamous groups and places a picture of a temple of another sect of Mormonism that isn't polygamous, p.383, but is closer to orthodoxy than the LDS is, the Community of Christ. They are still unorthodox, but they only accept Joseph Smith's first book, The Book of Mormon, and not the later writings. It seems to commit guilt by association. He never gives an explanation of the significant history of the Community of Christ in the history of Mormonism either. I found the Sikh chapter interesting. He provided nothing for points of discussion between Christians and Sikhs, which he provides in other chapters. There is also a serious editorial fail on p. 669. "On June 5, 1884, the Indian government orderd a raid on the Sikh Golden Temple...That led to the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi..." This happened in the 20th century, not the 19th. I like his internet links in the book as well as suggested reading. I also enjoyed, when he included them, talking points for Christians and those who aren't. I think this is a good starter book for a Christian who wants to learn more about their co-worker or neighbor.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful & Accurate, but disorganized & not comprehensive,
This review is from: Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World (Hardcover)
I received a review copy of Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions, eager to have a current resource for relevant information about world religions from a Christian perspective. This large (800+pages) book has information on a variety of world religions, from Baha'i to Witchcraft. It also has an excellent introductory chapter detailing the author's perspective on the study of religions from an evangelical Christian perspective, including a discussion of cults and ten tests for truth in religion.
The book does a good job of detailing the major religions of the world, including their history, theology and practices, major controversies, and more. There are many timelines and short biographical sketches of major leaders interspersed throughout the chapters. It also has an extensive chapter on various facets of "New Age" spirituality which are missing from older books. This book does, however, fall short in several areas. First, it is not a "comprehensive" introduction as listed on the cover, for it does not cover every religion. Second, I was disappointed that the book was not unified or systematic in its approach. Essentially, this is actually 19 smaller books, because each chapter has its own approach and internal organization. There is a whole chapter on Branch Davidians for reasons that are unclear, unless the author just had a particular interest in them and had enough material for an entire chapter. Freemasonry is a subcategory in the New Age chapter, also for reasons that are a mystery to me. Some religions have a table at their end with such listings as typology, websites, and recommended reading, but the tables don't all contain the same entries. I would have also appreciated a systematic approach to listing how each religion answers basic world view questions. Overall, I can recommend this book's extensive valuable and accurate information, but its shortcomings in organization detract from its value.
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