Customer Reviews

Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World

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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.

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.

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.

Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions is a guide for evangelical Christians. The book is not a text for readers looking for an objective or multi-perspective study tool.

Beverley is an academic and an evangelical Christian. He openly admits, or warns, that he wrote the book from his evangelical Christian perspective. He writes "I realize that my Christian perspective will create tensions at certain points with followers of other religions or with academics of no religious persuasion. My criticisms of various groups and leaders are offered with a deep recognition of my own fallibility."

According to Beverley, the book is an introduction to "all of the major religions of the world and hundreds of new ones." In addition to offering "bare facts about the various groups and leaders covered," Beverley "provides opinion and commentary both about many controversial issues related to the study of religion in general and specific religious groups" and what he believes "are necessary criticisms on relevant and important points." He adds, "negative statements are not meant to ignore or downplay the ways in which virtually every religion offers love, identity, and meaning to its followers."

The book's framework is based on ten principles that form the Christian paradigm for assessing religions that Beverley believes offers a proper Christian response to religions.

1. All religions and philosophies are to be measured by the final revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

a. Simply, the Bible does not teach that all roads lead to God.

2. Commitment to Jesus demands that the study of religions be carried out in love.

a. Christians should respond with love, not hatred, bigotry or ignorance.

3. Christian response to religions involves a commitment to truth.

a. This includes commitment to Christ as the Truth and avoiding lies, half-truths, and distortions.

4. Christians must recognize the contradictions and ultimate disunity that exist among the religions of the world.

a. The religions of the world often disagree on even basic points.

5. Disciples of Jesus must recognize every significant point of agreement with people of other religions and even those of no faith.

a. There is no harm in recognizing the goodness and truth in non-Christian paths.

6. Those who trust the gospel of Jesus must recognize the power of the dominant liberal perspective on religion and religious study.

a. The acceptance of all religions as paths to God has grown and confidence in the Christian gospel has eroded.

7. The Christian church must affirm that the mercy and love of God shown in Jesus are sufficient to answer all concerns about God's fairness in a world of religions.

a. Christians must resist attempts to down play the supremacy of Jesus in making Christianity more acceptable.

8. Those who trust in the Christian gospel must not forget the wrath of God that stands against the wickedness of a fallen world.

a. This applies to the secular and religious communities, for in both the Lord's name is taken in vain.

9. Christians must repent in sorrow for the ways in which we have not allowed the gospel to critique the church through the ages.

a. Religion can be unbelief even among those who claim to follow Christ.

10. A Christian response to religion must include respect for human liberty.

a. Since coercion is antithetical to Jesus' treatment of others and acceptance of the Christian gospel is only real if freely done, Christians must respect the freedom to reject any religion, including Christianity,

By proffering these principles, Beverley makes clear that his critical analysis of the world's religion is not a license for evangelical Christians to be bigoted or hateful against non-Christians.

Beverley offers ten multifaceted tests for evangelical Christians to apply "in approaching their own faith tradition and that of any religious group."

1. The God Test

2. The Christological Test

3. The Biblical Test

4. The Love Test

5. The Spirit Test

6. The Freedom Test

7. The Psychological Test

8. The Social/Political Test

9. The Prophetic Test

10. The Rational Test

The amount of criticism throughout the profiles makes clear that these tests are basically the "evangelical Christian tests" by which all other religions will fail.

Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions profiles more than 200 religions, sects, and cults, some of which are not well known. To some extent, each profile features historical information; timelines; photographs; side notes; leader profiles; key principles and beliefs; analysis and critique; opinions and commentary on controversial issues; and recommended resources.

When it comes to a review of people's belief systems and what gives them strength and hope, there is a fine line between academic analysis and the appearance of un-Christian-like judging.

I have had this book for a while and have referenced it many times. The book is: Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World by James A. Beverley.

This is no lightweight book but a detailed, thorough examination of the world's leading religions. The book is set up alphabetically to make it very easy to use and includes Baha'i to Witchcraft. Each chapter begins with a little bit about the religion then makes its way to a chronology that highlights various important dates with either the religion itself or the "founder" or important members. Numerous chapters included extended information about the religion, how it compares to Christianity, points at which the author sees areas of dialogue between Christ-followers and those who choose to follow other religions. Also included is various splinter groups within or coming out of each religion, what they hold to and also a informative insert that gives websites and resources for further investigation into each religion or sect.

I absolutely love this book. It is complete, well-researched, fair, balanced and unafraid to make strong statements (and the author does this when he tells of some unfortunate events that have happened within his own religious path (Protestantism). Many resources like this have come and gone but I believe Dr. Beverley's will be around for a long, long time. His style, for being a reference/non-fiction work,is engaging and pleasant to read. The chapters are not long or dry but made me, actually, want to read the book from start to finish in one sitting. Obviously that did not happen as the book is well over 700 pages. The book, however, doesn't seem like a tome but given all the detailed information given it seems that when you have this book you have several well-documented encyclopedias in your library. And that is a beautiful point about this book: this book can replace numerous volumes you may already have on world religions. If you don't have this book.....get it now! You won't be disappointed. Given all the issues that are going on not only in our own country but in our world....it is time that people start actually learning what religions believe rather than just listening to tv personalities that generate fear and terror about things they really don't know. Become informed. I am not there yet, but with this book I feel that I am on a better path of understanding and true dialogue.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...]: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

At 850 pages in length, filled with charts, graphics, and scans of texts from various religions, the Illustrated Guide to Religions (From henceforth "the Guide.") lives up to its name. It is a handy, quick reference to world religions. Being a guide, it is not encyclopedic, yet it gives enough references that one can certainly find it easy to gain more information on a particular religion in which they are interested.

This book is attractive, well bound, well researched, and well written. I believe it was also written fairly. A sampling of various articles showed no prejudice on the part of the writer. The Guide is certainly written from a Christian point of view, yet it does not seek to magnify every short-coming of those religions that are not Christian. Neither does The Guide waste space denigrating cultic off-shoots of Christianity. It is relatively objective in tone.

Another thing that can be said of The Guide is that it is thorough. There are even entries on the modern Purpose-Driven/Seeker Sensitive churches as well as various religions.

One thing that a person might not expect from a book such as this is to find it interesting. My experience demonstrated the fact that it is interesting. In fact, it is quite an enjoyable read.

This book deserves five stars. It is highly recommended.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

The book is a helpful reference book. It presents the reader with a good introduction to each major religion of the world, including historical background, the current state of the religion today, and the appropriate Christian response to said religion. It's a bit difficult to just sit down and read though. There are some great things about this book, and some things I might have done differently.

First the things I like about the book. The print quality is excellent. The pages are made of nice paper with attractive color printing for graphics and photos. The book is well put together and feels good in your hands. Each religion is briefly introduced and then the reader is given a section in which the basics of that religion are presented in list form. This is the 101 section of the religion, i.e. Islam 101 in which you are given a brief overview of the five pillars of Islam, their beliefs about Muhammad "The Prophet" and the Qur'an, their sacred writings. Following the 101 section is more detail on each of these topics and more. Historical accuracy is considered, a timeline is presented, various branches of each religion are explored, any major issues related to the religion are discussed, and finally a section is given with what the author feels is the appropriate Christian response to the religion. At the end of each chapter is also a list of books and websites for further reading. Altogether, a very nice presentation is given for each religion, which should educate the reader sufficiently for most purposes.

There are a few things I dislike about the book though. Many of the Christian Cults are not treated as such. The chapter on Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, does not include the section on an appropriate Christian response. The only reason I can see for this being left out, is that the author groups the cult with other Christian denominations and therefore does not see a need for such a response. The same is true for all the Christian cults such as Mormonism and for the Christian sectarian groups as well. I regard this as an undue level of toleration for heresy. These groups are cults and the true Christian needs to be instructed in how to respond to them, every bit as much as Hinduism.

The one other thing I might have done differently is in the way the book is organized. It's completely alphabetical. Every major religion is given a full chapter, and these are arranged alphabetically. One chapter is devoted to Christian sectarian groups and they are arranged alphabetically within that chapter. I understand why it was done this way. It makes it easy to find any particular religion you might be looking for. I think I would have done things differently myself. There's a table of contents and an index to assist with finding the religion of interest. I would have arranged the various religions so that if a reader chose to read strait through the book from cover to cover, as I did, related religions would be grouped together. Reading the chapter on Christian sectarian groups can be confusing because many of them are related to one another having branched and split from each other over the years, yet these are not grouped that way, but instead are arranged alphabetically making it difficult to follow the progression from one group to another. Then the major religions, represented by an entire chapter, are grouped oddly because of this alphabetical arrangement. Your read about Islam, then Jehovah's Witnesses, then Judaism, then Mormonism, then New Age, Orthodoxy, Protestantism, and then Roman Catholicism. I would have arranged those much differently.

In the end though, this really is a reference book and not one most people are likely to read start to finish. So I can overlook the arrangement issues. I like the overall presentation and treatment. My only concern is the toleration shown to heretical Christian cults. Still, this is a valuable resource for those wishing to education themselves on the historicity and major beliefs of the world's major religions.

I received a review copy of Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions from Thomas-Nelson Publishers.

This book is interesting in a couple of ways. First, it as more of a reference book than something you sit down to read. I was expecting a more conversational book about various religions and their differences; however, the book is neatly organized with each religion, or sect thereof, in its own section. That's not bad, just not what i was expecting. Secondly, with each religion having its own section, i would have assumed a basic alphabetical ordered format of the religions. They are not. It is organized like a hierarchy with similar religions grouped together. This, too, is not bad, just not what i was expecting after discovering that each religion had its own section. Want to find out about [insert religion here], you will need to refer to the index to find it.

Setting organization aside, Beverly has done a good job with the content. The information is clear and concise and seems accurate. But i kept asking myself, if i wanted to learn more about [insert unknown religion here], why would i go to a book? Honestly, the Wikipedia articles for the religions i reviewed are more thorough and are illustrated as well.

I gave the book a 4/5 because i think the book honors the title pretty well.

I was very pleased to have the chance to review this very informative guide to religions. Did you know that Buddhists believe there is no God or supreme creator while Hindus believe there is one supreme God who manifests in various forms and can dwell in images? And Muslims believe that there is no God but Allah and, although their prophet Muhammad was sinless, he is not divine.

These are very superficial comparisons but there is so much more depth in this book. It is well set out and easy to read. The individual sections are comprehensive and give an excellent overview of the religious covered, and are a good place to begin an in depth study of any religion, faith or cult.

Interesting and informative, I would recommend Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions to anyone who wants to find out something particular about a certain religion, is considering the study of religion in general or those who, like me, are just interested in discovering the foundations of the different faiths in our world.

This huge hardback book is as the subtitle states "a comprehensive introduction to the religions of the world". From a Christian perspective, it introduces the reader to the history and evolution of the prevalent religions we see today. Each entry also includes some questions and answers and Internet sources for further information. The religions included are Baha'i, Branch Davidians, Buddhism, Christian Science, Christian Sectarian Groups, Hinduism, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, Judaism, Mormonism, The New Age, Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Satanism, Scientology, Sikhism, Unification Church, and Witchcraft.

I really enjoyed reading this book, though it did take me quite a while to get through. It is quite lengthy (over 700 pages) and is not just a light read. It's a great resource to keep on hand when meeting people of a different religion and then being able to fully understand what they believe. The fact that it is written from a Christian perspective makes it my choice of a resource like this for our family. I would recommend this book to someone who is interested in becoming of aware of what other religions/cults believe (for evangelistic purposes), but mostly just as a good resource to have on the bookshelf to refer to.