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Mankind’s Search for God
Throughout mankind's history the search for God has led up many pathways, resulting in a diversity of religious expression. Has this search for God been successful? Through this book we invite you to join in that fascinating search for the true God.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
131 people are currently reading
1620 people want to read
About the author
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
371 books685 followersThe Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1884 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It is used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to support their worldwide work, which includes publishing Bibles and Bible-based literature.
According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 14, 2012
One of the three books that I could not put down until I finished reading in my entire life. So well-researched, very informative and no biases on any religions. The JWs as publisher was only discussed very sparingly at the final chapters. I believe no other entity could produce a well-researched and well-documented book as this.
January 14, 2008
From Buddhism to Taoism, Islam to Judaism, this publication is an interesting inquiry into the history and beliefs of today's major religions.
July 5, 2009
When I picked this book up in a (used) book store and noted that publisher was the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, I had a vague notion of the import. Then I figured it out concretely - this is an official survey of the world's religions by the Jehovah's Witnesses church - and my hopes for an objective piece evaporated. Oh, well, I thought, might as well see what it has to say....
And it has a lot to say. It's actually a pretty good survey of the world's major religions with some but not too much partisan commentary for most of the book. Its treatments of the histories and beliefs of the major religions of the world - the major thrusts of Christendom (pre- and post-Reformation), Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) - is informative and helpful if not particularly deep (which is actually what I was looking for in buying the book). There are a number of comments interwoven in the book to remind you that it's not an objective treatment of the subject (as in describing some religions as being based on mythology, others as apostate, etc.), but, on the whole, it serves its purpose well.
Until the final three or four chapters of the book, at which point its sectarian viewpoint becomes pronounced. This part can be skipped if you're not interested in the JWs' idiosyncratic views (on the rest of us), except for a helpful chapter delineating their own beliefs. Otherwise, the characterizations of other religions as untrue and or reflections of the Devil's work or the professed expectation that the end of days is near or the "proof" of the truth of the Bible over science grate. (And I'm a fervent believer, you should know.) Of course, it was written almost twenty years ago, so maybe some of this would be cleaned up in a more modern version, but probably not. It's in the narrowness of view that disappoints most, the tendency to demean as it contrasts that is as unhelpful as it is offputting.
If what you're looking for is a good survey of the world's major religions and you can look beyond the unfortunately parochial commentary interspersed intermittently, then this book will be helpful, until the last quarter (at which point it will descend into the same sectarian sparring that is so disappointing in the world and religion generally).
[To put this in perspective, I've given it three stars based on the value of its survey content, but left off the final two stars because of its parochialism. Were it to be made more objective, it would warrant the five star rating.:]
And it has a lot to say. It's actually a pretty good survey of the world's major religions with some but not too much partisan commentary for most of the book. Its treatments of the histories and beliefs of the major religions of the world - the major thrusts of Christendom (pre- and post-Reformation), Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) - is informative and helpful if not particularly deep (which is actually what I was looking for in buying the book). There are a number of comments interwoven in the book to remind you that it's not an objective treatment of the subject (as in describing some religions as being based on mythology, others as apostate, etc.), but, on the whole, it serves its purpose well.
Until the final three or four chapters of the book, at which point its sectarian viewpoint becomes pronounced. This part can be skipped if you're not interested in the JWs' idiosyncratic views (on the rest of us), except for a helpful chapter delineating their own beliefs. Otherwise, the characterizations of other religions as untrue and or reflections of the Devil's work or the professed expectation that the end of days is near or the "proof" of the truth of the Bible over science grate. (And I'm a fervent believer, you should know.) Of course, it was written almost twenty years ago, so maybe some of this would be cleaned up in a more modern version, but probably not. It's in the narrowness of view that disappoints most, the tendency to demean as it contrasts that is as unhelpful as it is offputting.
If what you're looking for is a good survey of the world's major religions and you can look beyond the unfortunately parochial commentary interspersed intermittently, then this book will be helpful, until the last quarter (at which point it will descend into the same sectarian sparring that is so disappointing in the world and religion generally).
[To put this in perspective, I've given it three stars based on the value of its survey content, but left off the final two stars because of its parochialism. Were it to be made more objective, it would warrant the five star rating.:]
June 29, 2019
This book literally exists for only two purposes:
(1) To prove that every other religion is inferior for the JWs, and,
(2) So that JWs can respond “yes” when someone asks “have you ever done any research on religions besides your own.”
JWs are heavily dissuaded from reading any religious material published by anyone except the WTBS, so this book is one of the only ways JWs can learn about other religions while maintaining a clean conscience.
(1) To prove that every other religion is inferior for the JWs, and,
(2) So that JWs can respond “yes” when someone asks “have you ever done any research on religions besides your own.”
JWs are heavily dissuaded from reading any religious material published by anyone except the WTBS, so this book is one of the only ways JWs can learn about other religions while maintaining a clean conscience.
October 15, 2013
I love this book. It really gives you an honest understanding of why so many religions and where they came from.It also helps honest hearted people to find the truth. Jehovah's witnesses live the bible, that's why they know it so well. And this book just rounds out their bible education.
July 6, 2018
Don’t be mistaken. Despite the opposing views you may see in reviews, this book is 100% a recruiting tool for the Jehovah’s Witness. On the surface, Mankind’s Search for a God is a well-written overview and comparison of the world’s religions. But the eventual end of each chapter, in which all faiths not loyal to Jehovah are discredited, belie the bias of the authors. I threw my copy in the recycling bin without finishing.
November 19, 2009
Enlightening. Objective. Read it!
September 13, 2014
"Mankind's Search for God" presents a brief overview of some of the world's biggest religions. These chapters are pretty good and informative and not too biased. But the point of the book is to say that all religions are wrong except for the Jehovah's Witnesses. The book assumes, without proof, that the Bible is literally true so its version of history starts with Adam and Eve and then the flood and the tower of Babel where allegedly people split into different groups which gave rise to all the false religions.
Despite some good information about different religions, the book is way too biased to take seriously.
Despite some good information about different religions, the book is way too biased to take seriously.
June 29, 2019
I cannot bare to recall that when I went preaching to non jehovahs witnesses and was asked if I had studied other religions to make sure mine was right. I said yes, thinking in my head 'because I' ve read mankind's search for god' ...... When in reality it was Propaganda written by one religion about the rest. 🤦♀️
Currently reading
November 26, 2008Religion, how did it begin? and where? Is there One Truth? IF there is, what about the rest? If none, why so Many? Is this how the Creator wanted it to be? To learn about other religions, faiths or principles does not constitute one to be unfaithful to what he/she originally stands for or believes. It adds to the richness of one's understanding of people around us, what they believe in, why they believe, how they come to believe. Hence, instead of causing divisions, it can contribute to the understanding of people with differing beliefs. This book will open one's eyes to the origins, similarities (yes, there are outstanding similarites, removing the cultural factor and embellishments) and differences in various beliefs of men.
July 10, 2010
This is one of my all time favorite books. The basic or general descriptions it gives of such a variety of religions is amazing. It really helps to understand what some of your acquaintances beliefs may be. It also helped me analyze my own beliefs. I enjoyed every minute of it. It's a re-read and re-read again.
January 22, 2008
One of my favorite peices of literature. So illuminating and easy for anyone to comprehend.
June 25, 2010
I love this book. It looks at a variety of religious groups and compares ideology. It's so concise and comparative. It's clear and easy to understand. One of my favorites.
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September 11, 2012This book is so amazing
June 4, 2013
Learn the truth about all religions.
November 8, 2012
11/02/12
I've just begun reading this book. My intentions are to gain a better, even generalized understanding of the various religions it mentions. I hope to find this book to be as objective as possible in the descriptions it provides.
11/08/12
Completed this book today. The general overviews of the various religions were informative and relatively objective.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn some history and gain understanding. If someone had not given me this book to read, it is unlikely I would have selected to do so.
Although I do not share all the beliefs presented by the writers, there are valid points well worth considering. I respect people who can intelligently, graciously, and respectfully voice their beliefs and act on them.
I've just begun reading this book. My intentions are to gain a better, even generalized understanding of the various religions it mentions. I hope to find this book to be as objective as possible in the descriptions it provides.
11/08/12
Completed this book today. The general overviews of the various religions were informative and relatively objective.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn some history and gain understanding. If someone had not given me this book to read, it is unlikely I would have selected to do so.
Although I do not share all the beliefs presented by the writers, there are valid points well worth considering. I respect people who can intelligently, graciously, and respectfully voice their beliefs and act on them.
May 11, 2013
This publication interested me very very very much. It opened my eyes to the ones whom have been mislead by Satan to really value Jehovah's provision through Jesus ransom to reach out undeservedly and show the light. Of course more is required than just knowing and this is placed in its proper valued place so if you want the history of mankind's search for God or would like to read just because or because you feel like your search for the true God is just impossible, please give this a read. You won't regret it unless you choose to.I choose not to.
January 1, 2016
If you wish to get a solid and detailed back round of the world's major religions, then I do not believe that you can do better than this book here. I took my time reading it, examining the way that men have approached God over the centuries. I have never seen a better description of the corruption of the early Christian Church, or the reformation explained so simply.
April 10, 2019
I have really enjoyed this little book, it has been very educational and covers all major religions, i would recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to learn more about the different religions in the world.
August 26, 2015
Amazing Book of all time...
September 22, 2017
The information in this book was well-researched and respectfully conveyed; which, admittedly, I didn't expect it to be. Religious propaganda usually builds up one religion while tearing the others to shreds, like a particularly vicious debate opponent. This book does aim to explain the Witnesses' perspective, and you do come away with a better understanding. I liked this book just because I'm a sucker for history, and I like learning new things, and I always find it interesting when someone is able to suggest a perspective I haven't thought of before. Whether you're interested in finding the truest religion or not, this book rates as an entertaining read!
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March 27, 2025read half of it, could just about put up w the Christian propaganda while they were talking about other world religions and given interesting historical and cultural information, but the next 200 pages is about Judaism and Christianity and I CBA to read this church propaganda henceforth ☺️
July 13, 2010
I was handed this book by a 'supposed'Hindu today at a gas station. I've been studying The Vedas and the Bhagavadgita and have found this to be MY calling. I simply asked if he were Hindu; he replied, "Yes." So I continued to ask him what temple he attended and he told me the location of one. I was excited to finally continue with my beliefs and philosophy and learn further teachings from a guru. On my way out, he handed me this book. I didn't realize till I got home this was a Jehovah Witness' book. They say the end of the world will come like a thief in the night. That's because they master the art of deceiving.
If this was the appropriate manner to bring about their faith, Karma will not turn it's cheek.
On the lighter side, I learned a lot more about Hinduism. And this book only convinces me more of my transcendental knowledge.
"Name a friend too often and we feel that a wrong is done to the friend and to ourselves. Yet you name the good Jesus until I hate the sound of him. All that you say is just as true without the tedious use of that symbol as with it. Let us have a little algebra instead of this trite rhetoric, universal signs instead of the village symbols, and we shall both be gainers!" _Ralph Waldo Emerson
If this was the appropriate manner to bring about their faith, Karma will not turn it's cheek.
On the lighter side, I learned a lot more about Hinduism. And this book only convinces me more of my transcendental knowledge.
"Name a friend too often and we feel that a wrong is done to the friend and to ourselves. Yet you name the good Jesus until I hate the sound of him. All that you say is just as true without the tedious use of that symbol as with it. Let us have a little algebra instead of this trite rhetoric, universal signs instead of the village symbols, and we shall both be gainers!" _Ralph Waldo Emerson
October 31, 2016
I gained so much knowledge about the major religions of the world by learning about their origins and practices and how they have really evolved but was disappointed by the essay on Islam as it mostly focused on Shia Islam and not the dogma associated with Sunni Islam and also it did not really talk about why the Quran contains teaching and stories about the Biblical prophets. The writer of the essay clearly wanted to distinguish Islam as a completely separate religion and so failed to draw the comparisons that were clearly drawn with the polytheistic religions. Also of most importance the leaniage of Prophet Mohammad that was never mentioned, I think this was purposefully done as he can be traced back to line of Abraham.
November 6, 2019
Lo que me gustó: Introduce muy bien a la gran diversidad de expresiones religiosas que existen en el mundo y además explica con objetividad las principales religiones que hoy se manifiestan como el hinduismo, el budismo, el taoísmo, el confucianismo, el sintoísmo, el judaísmo, el cristianismo y el islam; tiene buenas referencias históricas y un buen mensaje.
Lo que no me gustó: Es un libro publicado por una sociedad de Testigos de Jehová por lo que los últimos tres capítulos no me parecieron objetivos y por el contrario parecen publicidad pura a esta religión, en sí, no me gusta la conclusión a la que llega el autor, sin embargo, aún así creo que vale la pena leer este libro.
Lo que no me gustó: Es un libro publicado por una sociedad de Testigos de Jehová por lo que los últimos tres capítulos no me parecieron objetivos y por el contrario parecen publicidad pura a esta religión, en sí, no me gusta la conclusión a la que llega el autor, sin embargo, aún así creo que vale la pena leer este libro.
October 6, 2011
Definitely promoting Jehovah's Witness beliefs. While it does a decent job of explaining how each religion searches for happiness, I was really dissapointed how biased each chapter was. I didn't feel like the positive attributes of each religion was emphasized at all. The first chapter talks about why it is good to be interested in other religions, but the remainder of the book seems to explain how other religions are inferior. Granted, to believe in one faith it is assumed that all others are inferior, but I couldn't get past those conflicting messages.
July 28, 2019
This is a good study of the beginning and history of religion. I really enjoyed learning about Christian beliefs. Even my Catholic religion was totally understandable. The final chapter is devoted to why people should become a Jehovahs Witness. Some real food for thought but I’m learning about my beliefs and why I am a Catholic.
August 24, 2015
This was an interesting walk through the world's religions. Major religions are spoken about with respect to the followers. I was impressed by the number of references from secular sources. This was a great read and made me appreciate my stand as one of Jehovah's Witnesses all the more.
October 4, 2017
Excellent publication exploring the beliefs and origins of the worlds major religions, providing insight into the commonalities and curiosities of different faiths. A must read for all who want to understand people's differing viewpoints; breaking down ignorance and prejudice.
July 13, 2020
Muy bueno para comprender en general el origen y la historia de las principales religiones del mundo, lastimosamente desde un inicio se ve su clara tendencia hacia el cristianismo, sin embargo, si logramos omitir estas pequeñas intromisiones contiene bastante información objetiva e interesante.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews