World Religions in a Nutshell: A Compact Guide to Reaching Those of Other Faiths

by Ray Comfort

You are on CNN, live. The host leans across to you and asks, What s the major difference between Christianity and the other major religions? They are basically all the same, aren t they? Millions are awaiting your reply. Do you know how you would answer? Most of us are not as prepared as we should be for this all-important task. Discover what almost all religions have in By trying to earn their way to Heaven, their followers are robed in works-righteousness. Learn how to gently remove that robe, so those seeking eternal salvation can be clothed in the righteousness that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Each religion is discussed according It s basic beliefs Testimonies of its followers who turned to Christ Sample witnessing conversation

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2008

About the author

Ray is the Founder and CEO of Living Waters and the best–selling author of more than 80 books, including, Hell's Best Kept Secret, Scientific Facts in the Bible, and The Evidence Bible. He co–hosts (with actor Kirk Cameron) the award–winning television program "The Way of the Master," seen in 200 countries. He is also the Executive Producer on the movies "Audacity," "180," "Evolution vs. God," and others, which have been seen by millions. He and his wife, Sue, live in Bellflower, California, where they have three grown children.

Reviews

[Charlotte Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely excellent overview of the main different religions in the world today and their differences with Christianity. Each section details what that religion believes, how to reach them, an example conversation, and a testimony 😊 Very very helpful for evangelism! I highly recommend :)

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is my fault that I picked up a copy of this book while in a rush to leave a bookstore; I didn't read the cover carefully. When I read, "A Compact Guide to Reaching Those of Other Faiths," I thought he meant to be more understanding of other religions. I'd been looking for a succinct book on world religions for some time and thought this would be a good start, even though it only covered 9 major religions. My goal was to learn the major tenets of various religions with a view of understanding them better. However, this is not the goal of this author.

Oh my gosh, Comfort's goal is to change the religion of others to Christianity. What an arrogant attitude. In my heart, I don't see that my view of God is any better than anyone else's. However, Ray Comfort is obviously comforted by the knowledge that his faith is the one everyone must come to understand as the best.

I skipped most of the dialogue that the author offers as a way to open discussion with someone of another faith (from the 9 groups discussed), on how to change another's view of God. I admit to reading some to see how the author 'attacks the problem' of another's religious faith that isn't his. He tells his readers that he goes for their weaknesses.

I gave the book three stars because it told me things I'd like to know about other faiths. I was disappointed that he didn't spend the additional pages telling more about the faiths, and less about how to change other people's minds. I will never forget this author's name and am assured that I will never pick up another of his books.

[Carol Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good exposition of world religions and how to reach their adherents with the gospel. Mr. Comfort discusses nine different religions. In each chapter he discusses their background and then what they believe about Biblical doctrines. He concludes each chapter with a presentation of the gospel to someone of that particular religion and a testimony of one who was converted from that faith. The book is a very quick and easy read and will be good to have as a resource for when I may encounter someone of a different faith. The only reason I rated it down one star is that in their gospel presentations, they seem a little simplistic and almost always end with the person accepting the gospel. I did not find that very realistic.

[Caroline Moret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, good overview of the worlds religions put together in a very organized fashion. It really brings home that no other “religion” can save you from the sins you have committed against God by violating the 10 commandments (doesn’t matter if you believe in them or not because they are a reality!) your good works can’t save you. Only repenting from your sin and trusting in Jesus, the one who became sin, sacrificing Himself for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God can save us. I like the focus on without knowledge of how you have broken Gods law, how can you see the need to be saved from your sin and see the goodness of what God did for us in Jesus?

I understand it’s only meant to be an overview but it left me wanting to learn more!!!

[Bob Deangelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what the title says it is - a very brief overview of the beliefs of various world religions. I thought that the most profitable aspect of the book was the theoretical conversations at the end of each chapter where Ray walks through what a conversation with a person of this belief system might look like. Ray is extremely experienced in his interacting with people of varying viewpoints, and I found these potential real life interactions to be helpful. Easy read, captures "world religions in a nutshell," and provides real life examples of helpful thoughts in interacting with people.

[J.D. G · Rating 1 out of 5]

The subtitle should be changed to "A guide to demonstrating you are an arrogant jerk." This is bible-thumping at its worst. Pretend to be friendly then set them up for a 'gotcha'. "Hi! If you won't eat pork (or beef) or go anywhere on Sunday but my church, you're gonna burn in Hell!" Dana Carvey's Church Lady character must have been based on Ray-of-doom disComfort.

The only recommendation I could give for this book is for people to learn what they shouldn't do if they want to follow Christ and share God's love.

[Andrii Vyshnevskyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

People are lured by their sinful nature to believe in whatever enables them to indulge in sins that they love so much. This book shows how to reach out to these people and help them to know the truth. Very concise, laconic and easily read.

[Jerome Bushnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the introduction: "I want a book that will say 'Here's what you need; now go to battle.'"

Typical Way of the Master material. It sounds good when read with a Kiwi accent in your head. A bit repetitious at times, but good information, nevertheless.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great Christian overview of other peoples faith, what they believe and how best to talk to them.

[Vince Freemyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good survey of world religions and how to share the good news!!! Love Ray Comfort! He has a heart for the lost!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other compilations of what makes up different religions. But this one is the best by far. It's easy enough to understand and is relevant to today's world. But it is more that just a book of definitions and listing of rules. It helps the Christian understand how to talk with people of other beliefs and how to help them see the truth. Granted, it is the truth as I believe as a Christian. God has given me a commandment to take His word to all of the world. This book will help me fulfill that commandment. You have to talk the other person's language to get to their heart. This book helps us see how other people view their religion and how we can counter those beliefs.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is what it says it is.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important information on how to best reach the lost, and give you perspective on where they are coming from.

[Phil Sessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for apologetics, and studying world religions,

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of a "Cliff's Notes" on world religions. Does not really go into aany sort of detail onany of them.

[Scott Guillory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice and easy overview of different religious worldview and how to evangelize the people that hold those views. Highly recommend this book!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

For someone that isn't familiar with other religions this will be informative.