An Introduction to the Study of Comparative Religion

by Frank Byron Jevons

The Hartford-Lamson Lectures on The Religions of the World are delivered at Hartford Theological Seminary in connection with the Lamson Fund, which was established by a group of friends in honor of the late Charles M.Lamson, D.D., sometime President of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, to assist in preparing students for the foreign missionary field. The Lectures are designed primarily to give to such students a good knowledge of the religious history, beliefs, and customs of the peoples among whom they expect to labor. As they are delivered by scholars of the first rank, who are authorities in their respective fields, it is expected that in pubUshed form they will prove to be of value to students generally.

Genres: Religion

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1908

About the author

Frank Byron Jevons (1858–1936) was a polymath, academic and administrator of Durham University. He was educated at Nottingham High School and Wadham College, Oxford and appointed a lecturer in Classics at Durham in 1882. He was the first Censor of St Cuthbert's Society from 1892 until 1897. In 1897 he was appointed as Master of Hatfield College where he remained until 1922. He also served as Vice-Chancellor of the university between 1910 and 1912 and Pro Vice-Chancellor between 1912 and 1914 and 1916 to 1921.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although clearly written by a Christian who believes Christianity is the most perfect of religions (as if there were such perfection to be had), this is still a well-written piece; Even though the author clearly misunderstands portions of other religions (like magick *which this reader believes can be a religious practise*, animism, and Buddhist philosophies) , he states them (his conclusions) with reason and logic and has clearly read up on views which do not agree with his own. Other religions and practices are referred to as inferior, their adherents as savage, and their acts as antisocial or just plain non-religious .... However, his bias and misunderstandings (in and of itself) are stated in such a tactful way that they still remain insightful and reasonable enough to contribute to any persons' study of comparative religion. Still a recommended read!

"The truth and the good inherent in all forms of religion is that, in all, man seeks after God. The finality of Christianity lies in the fact that it reveals the God for whom man seeks."

The above quote (from the final section) demonstrates how he may, indeed, see value in most religion.....but that (to him) Christianity contains the "true God" and the most preferable way to achieve communion with said God.