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God among Sages: Why Jesus Is Not Just Another Religious Leader
Was Jesus just a spiritual leader, like Buddha, Krishna, Confucius, and Muhammad? Or is he something more--something else entirely?
In God among Sages , apologist Ken Samples offers readers a biblical and historical portrait of Jesus, grounded in the claims Jesus makes about himself. Then Samples compares and contrasts Jesus with Buddha, Krishna, Confucius, and Muhammad using eight relevant categories of evaluation. He also helps readers understand the competing philosophies of religious pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism. The result is a clearer understanding of what sets Jesus apart as not simply a teacher to follow but God himself, worthy of our full allegiance and worship.
Christians who struggle to answer claims that Jesus was just a good teacher, as well as those haven't quite made up their minds about Jesus's claims to divinity, will value this accessible introduction to comparative religions.
In God among Sages , apologist Ken Samples offers readers a biblical and historical portrait of Jesus, grounded in the claims Jesus makes about himself. Then Samples compares and contrasts Jesus with Buddha, Krishna, Confucius, and Muhammad using eight relevant categories of evaluation. He also helps readers understand the competing philosophies of religious pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism. The result is a clearer understanding of what sets Jesus apart as not simply a teacher to follow but God himself, worthy of our full allegiance and worship.
Christians who struggle to answer claims that Jesus was just a good teacher, as well as those haven't quite made up their minds about Jesus's claims to divinity, will value this accessible introduction to comparative religions.
282 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2017
63 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth Richard Samples
8 books18 followersKenneth Richard Samples serves as a senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe (RTB). He earned a BA in social science with an emphasis in history and philosophy from Concordia University and an MA in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology. Before joining RTB, he worked as senior research consultant and correspondence editor at the Christian Research Institute and regularly cohosted the popular call-in radio program The Bible Answer Man.
Kenneth is the author of many books including Clear Thinking in a Messy World, Christianity Cross-Examined, and Classic Christian Thinkers. Additionally, he is an adjunct instructor of apologetics at Biola University and has spoken at universities and churches around the world.
Kenneth is the author of many books including Clear Thinking in a Messy World, Christianity Cross-Examined, and Classic Christian Thinkers. Additionally, he is an adjunct instructor of apologetics at Biola University and has spoken at universities and churches around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 13, 2017
I've used Reasons to Believe--among others--as a resource for years, so when I heard that Ken Samples was coming out with a new book comparing Jesus to the other major religious leaders during an interview with apologetics.com, I was hooked. I live in a city full of diverse religious beliefs, and am moving soon to a foreign country to engage a specific religious worldview with the Christian one, so this book was right up my alley. While I enjoyed the book, and probably highlighted 1/4 of it, it did not flow like a traditional book. It read more like a research paper: very choppy, though organized. The researched information was solid, and had a high level of practical application, but when reading a book I am generally looking for something with more flow. Regardless, if you are looking for a good introduction to comparative religions, or are just curious about how Krishna, the Buddha, Confucius, and Mohammad stand up against Jesus, then I would recommend this book.
March 28, 2021
Concise, clear and straight-forward. I read this with a book club and got a lot out of it. It will be a good reference point to look back on when I'm thinking about belief systems and ways of thought that pose a 'threat' against Christianity.
The main 'religions' that Samples overviews in this book are Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam.
The main 'religions' that Samples overviews in this book are Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam.
April 25, 2024
Read for a comparative religious class! I did enjoy Samples’ approach to the many different religions. He does a great job not only highlighting each religion- but comparing and contrasting with Christianity. What I believe this book did for me was give me a larger world view of the many different beliefs, and help equip me, as a Christian, to speak truth in those specific world views and beliefs.
Not a complex read! I would have read this book outside of my grad work!
Not a complex read! I would have read this book outside of my grad work!
January 21, 2018
God Among Sages: Why Jesus Is Not Just Another Religious Leader is a very thorough comparative examination of Jesus versus the leaders of four other world religions (Bhakti Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam), laid out in an easy-to-follow format by Kenneth Richard Samples.
The first part of this book is a conclusive study on Jesus Christ's unity with God, the historical accuracy of Scriptures and other related teachings, and secular historical evidence of the existence and authority of Jesus Christ.
Part two compares Jesus with Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, and Muhammad (each in his own distinct chapter) through the study of each leader, his religion, and how it lines up with Christ and Christianity. Here, Samples covers the historical narrative of each leader's life, his values and beliefs, and the role that played on forming the religion he is associated with. Then, he discusses that leader's religion through it's history, beliefs, and teachings. Finally, each chapter in this part is concluded with "Suggestions for Evangelistic Encounters" with each of these religions. Most statements about each leader and his religion are done in a compare/contrast format to show how they align with Christ and Christianity.
The last part of God Among Sages reveals how Christians should treat and respond to followers of other religions, in light of current affairs and Biblical teachings.
Samples provides ample evidence to back up all of his conclusions, along with providing a fair and adequate view of the major alternatives of Christianity. I think this book would be a good read for Christians seeking to know more about other religions, as well as those aspiring to go into missions work looking to plead Christianity to followers of any of the covered religions. I also appreciate that each chapter has discussion questions that are perfect for personal review or for group study. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a free print copy of this book from Baker Books for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
The first part of this book is a conclusive study on Jesus Christ's unity with God, the historical accuracy of Scriptures and other related teachings, and secular historical evidence of the existence and authority of Jesus Christ.
Part two compares Jesus with Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, and Muhammad (each in his own distinct chapter) through the study of each leader, his religion, and how it lines up with Christ and Christianity. Here, Samples covers the historical narrative of each leader's life, his values and beliefs, and the role that played on forming the religion he is associated with. Then, he discusses that leader's religion through it's history, beliefs, and teachings. Finally, each chapter in this part is concluded with "Suggestions for Evangelistic Encounters" with each of these religions. Most statements about each leader and his religion are done in a compare/contrast format to show how they align with Christ and Christianity.
The last part of God Among Sages reveals how Christians should treat and respond to followers of other religions, in light of current affairs and Biblical teachings.
Samples provides ample evidence to back up all of his conclusions, along with providing a fair and adequate view of the major alternatives of Christianity. I think this book would be a good read for Christians seeking to know more about other religions, as well as those aspiring to go into missions work looking to plead Christianity to followers of any of the covered religions. I also appreciate that each chapter has discussion questions that are perfect for personal review or for group study. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a free print copy of this book from Baker Books for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
August 16, 2017
My Rating – If you are looking for something
Level – Easy read, moderate length (a little repetitive)
Summary
Samples has put a book together that looks at Christ and historic Christianity, and compares Him to the leaders or representatives of four other major religions. The book is broken into three parts – a historicity of Christ, both as a man and God; a short intro to representatives of four other religions and how they compare to Christ; a few thoughts on plurality in the world and the Biblical view of other religions.
The first part of the book is broken into four sections, but overall it is a basic apologetic for the Christ of traditional Christianity. Samples goes through Christ claims of divinity, the reliability of the Bible, and then a few points on the fact that Christ, the man, a person in history, actually existed.
The second part of the book is really the meat and what you’d expect based on the title. It is also broken into four parts and Samples hits on Krishna as representative of Hinduism, Gautama (the Buddha’s birth name) for (obviously) Buddhism, Confucius, and finally Muhammad for Islam. In each section he outlines the life of the person, the basics of their teachings/beliefs, and then how they compare to Christ.
The final part of the book is broken into three sections, plurality in our world, Biblical view of other religions, and finally a concluding summary of Christ’s claims verses the other four.
My Thoughts
I wasn’t really sure how to rate this book. I liked a good bit of it, but found other parts annoying. I guess it will depend on the perspective from which you come to this book. It is a little too apologetics 101 for me, especially the first part of the book. I understand, that almost by definition, if you are trying to substantiate the claims of Christianity, you have to use apologetics, but what bothers me is really more of the tone. There is a just an attitude and style of argument from those in the philosophical (especially Ontological) and presuppositional apologetic framework seem to have. It just rubs me the wrong way. If you like it, or are new to apologetcs, the you will probably really enjoy the first section of the book. All that being said, he does a good job summarizing arguments for the reliability of the Bible and Christ’s claims of divinity that all Christians should know pretty well.
The section about the other leaders was a well written introduction. Some of it was new to me and others a good reminder from my high school world religions class. As Christianity declines and more people arrive from different parts of the world, it is becoming more and more important to know the basis of other beliefs. This book could be a good start (Sample pack? sorry) into the study of world religions. He cites other works at the end of each chapter if you want to go deeper. The only part I really didn’t like about the section of the book is that he repeats his arguments (stated in the first part of the book) about Christ again and again in each chapter. Maybe it is a pet peeve of mine, I just dislike redundancy and repetitiveness.
The last section of the book was probably my favorite. Sometimes, I’m not sure I’d necessarily call them moments of doubt, I do wonder, what if all paths lead to God? That does change my view that this is the path Christ chose for me, but what if one day we get to heaven and we find out that everyone is there and they all came through different ways? Maybe that would be kind of neat. Samples summary of the issues with plurality point out that this isn’t really possible. For one thing, not all ‘paths’ even have a ‘god’. Many don’t have an afterlife, but reincarnation. Also, what about people who are on no path, so to speak? Even as you try to be kind and loving and accepting (to some extent) of all other beliefs, it is good to remember that plurality (in the sense of all beliefs being equally valid) is unworkable.
I think many people could learn something from this book. However, it may not be for everyone. It isn’t quite on the level of everyone should read it, but if you are looking for a good intro to either divinity of Christ, reliability of the Bible, any of the four religions covered, or Christianity in a pluralistic world, then you should put this book on your list.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More of my reviews - MondayMorningTheologian.com
Level – Easy read, moderate length (a little repetitive)
Summary
Samples has put a book together that looks at Christ and historic Christianity, and compares Him to the leaders or representatives of four other major religions. The book is broken into three parts – a historicity of Christ, both as a man and God; a short intro to representatives of four other religions and how they compare to Christ; a few thoughts on plurality in the world and the Biblical view of other religions.
The first part of the book is broken into four sections, but overall it is a basic apologetic for the Christ of traditional Christianity. Samples goes through Christ claims of divinity, the reliability of the Bible, and then a few points on the fact that Christ, the man, a person in history, actually existed.
The second part of the book is really the meat and what you’d expect based on the title. It is also broken into four parts and Samples hits on Krishna as representative of Hinduism, Gautama (the Buddha’s birth name) for (obviously) Buddhism, Confucius, and finally Muhammad for Islam. In each section he outlines the life of the person, the basics of their teachings/beliefs, and then how they compare to Christ.
The final part of the book is broken into three sections, plurality in our world, Biblical view of other religions, and finally a concluding summary of Christ’s claims verses the other four.
My Thoughts
I wasn’t really sure how to rate this book. I liked a good bit of it, but found other parts annoying. I guess it will depend on the perspective from which you come to this book. It is a little too apologetics 101 for me, especially the first part of the book. I understand, that almost by definition, if you are trying to substantiate the claims of Christianity, you have to use apologetics, but what bothers me is really more of the tone. There is a just an attitude and style of argument from those in the philosophical (especially Ontological) and presuppositional apologetic framework seem to have. It just rubs me the wrong way. If you like it, or are new to apologetcs, the you will probably really enjoy the first section of the book. All that being said, he does a good job summarizing arguments for the reliability of the Bible and Christ’s claims of divinity that all Christians should know pretty well.
The section about the other leaders was a well written introduction. Some of it was new to me and others a good reminder from my high school world religions class. As Christianity declines and more people arrive from different parts of the world, it is becoming more and more important to know the basis of other beliefs. This book could be a good start (Sample pack? sorry) into the study of world religions. He cites other works at the end of each chapter if you want to go deeper. The only part I really didn’t like about the section of the book is that he repeats his arguments (stated in the first part of the book) about Christ again and again in each chapter. Maybe it is a pet peeve of mine, I just dislike redundancy and repetitiveness.
The last section of the book was probably my favorite. Sometimes, I’m not sure I’d necessarily call them moments of doubt, I do wonder, what if all paths lead to God? That does change my view that this is the path Christ chose for me, but what if one day we get to heaven and we find out that everyone is there and they all came through different ways? Maybe that would be kind of neat. Samples summary of the issues with plurality point out that this isn’t really possible. For one thing, not all ‘paths’ even have a ‘god’. Many don’t have an afterlife, but reincarnation. Also, what about people who are on no path, so to speak? Even as you try to be kind and loving and accepting (to some extent) of all other beliefs, it is good to remember that plurality (in the sense of all beliefs being equally valid) is unworkable.
I think many people could learn something from this book. However, it may not be for everyone. It isn’t quite on the level of everyone should read it, but if you are looking for a good intro to either divinity of Christ, reliability of the Bible, any of the four religions covered, or Christianity in a pluralistic world, then you should put this book on your list.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More of my reviews - MondayMorningTheologian.com
June 10, 2017
Author, philosopher and theologian Ken Samples of Reasons to Believe, and Biola University, has written a powerful work comparing the historical Jesus Christ of Nazareth to the Buddha, Krishna, Confuscius, and Mohammad. This book is a must-read for all believers in Christ if for no other reason than to strengthen one's understanding of the nature and character of Jesus Christ as truly revealed in the historical pages of scripture. When standing in comparison beside the other greatest founders of religion, it is clear that "......there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
Furthermore, Ken takes great effort in being fair, academic and historically accurate in his description of the founders and their religions (Buddhism, Hinduism (primarily Bhakti), Confuscianism, and Islam). No disrespectful religion bashing found here! I would recommend this book to the followers of these religions as well.
This book will become a key part of my apologetics library as I seek to reach a lost world for Christ!
Furthermore, Ken takes great effort in being fair, academic and historically accurate in his description of the founders and their religions (Buddhism, Hinduism (primarily Bhakti), Confuscianism, and Islam). No disrespectful religion bashing found here! I would recommend this book to the followers of these religions as well.
This book will become a key part of my apologetics library as I seek to reach a lost world for Christ!
May 19, 2017
This was my first scholarly read about world religions as I’m not used to reading books that are overly objective like this one. Consequently, I thought I wouldn’t finish the book as I got kind of overwhelmed by the amount of information being presented.
The book discusses details about the world’s major religions alongside their leaders in a comprehensive manner. It also includes tables which are helpful when recalling the major points previously presented. Readers are given tips on how to share Jesus with others using the very information discussed in this book, which makes for a useful reference.
The book is impartial in that it presents not only the weaknesses but also the strengths of the leaders of the religions other than Christianity.
I recommend this book to people who are eager to gain clear-cut facts about how Jesus compares to other religious leaders. I also recommend this to those who are pursuing apologetics.
Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
The book discusses details about the world’s major religions alongside their leaders in a comprehensive manner. It also includes tables which are helpful when recalling the major points previously presented. Readers are given tips on how to share Jesus with others using the very information discussed in this book, which makes for a useful reference.
The book is impartial in that it presents not only the weaknesses but also the strengths of the leaders of the religions other than Christianity.
I recommend this book to people who are eager to gain clear-cut facts about how Jesus compares to other religious leaders. I also recommend this to those who are pursuing apologetics.
Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
September 13, 2025
This book does a wonderful job explaining the main figures of the world's largest religions = Krishna (Hinduism), The Buddha (Buddhism), Confucius (Confucianism), Mohammud (Islam), and, of course, Jesus (Christianity). Ken does a great job giving a concise history of the lives of these figures as well as the core of their teachings.
In each chapter, Ken talks about the places where each religion and Christianity find common ground to be used as opportunities for conversations. He also points out where they differ.
By the end of this book, you'll see that Jesus claims to be on a whole different level than the central figures of these other religions. They claim to be prophets and teachers, but still human. Jesus' claims to who he was go much further than that. And so does the evidence.
In each chapter, Ken talks about the places where each religion and Christianity find common ground to be used as opportunities for conversations. He also points out where they differ.
By the end of this book, you'll see that Jesus claims to be on a whole different level than the central figures of these other religions. They claim to be prophets and teachers, but still human. Jesus' claims to who he was go much further than that. And so does the evidence.
September 2, 2018
Ken Samples examines the basic historical truths about Jesus of Nazareth and then compares Him with Krishna of the Hindus, Buddha, Mohammed, and Confucius. He considers the worldview, goals, diagnosis of humanity's problems, and the solutions proposed. He examines the historicity of each and their personal morality.
After these comparisons. Ken Samples then evaluates various forms of religious pluralism and Christian exclusionism, and the implications of their beliefs.
Altogether, Mr. Samples supplies a good philosophical and historical comparison of the world's religions and why Christ and Christianity is to be preferred. I recommend this book to Christian apologists, people who want a survey of what the world's religions believe, and their philosophies.
After these comparisons. Ken Samples then evaluates various forms of religious pluralism and Christian exclusionism, and the implications of their beliefs.
Altogether, Mr. Samples supplies a good philosophical and historical comparison of the world's religions and why Christ and Christianity is to be preferred. I recommend this book to Christian apologists, people who want a survey of what the world's religions believe, and their philosophies.
August 29, 2017
I found this book to be a good introduction to the world's major religious world views, and it provided a great logical approach to how each differs from the unique claims of Christianity. It also addressed (in a very approachable way) tolerance and respect when interacting with those of different faiths and even those who proclaim no faith. A few times the words used were rather technical and I needed to do a bit of "vocabulary-building" to fully grasp the arguments being put forth, but this did not happen all that often. I felt, after finishing the book, that at least now I have a basic foundation for building further understanding.
April 10, 2019
This was really well written and came across as objective, in light of the fact that the conclusion was borne out in the title. lots of research and appropriate sources were given.
The facts were interesting and expounded on the world view that comes with each of the leaders expounded and helpful comparison tables, that maybe a little too abstract when deep diving. However as a primer this is a helpful book.
Some of the argumentation is a little repetitious, but is still relevant.
The facts were interesting and expounded on the world view that comes with each of the leaders expounded and helpful comparison tables, that maybe a little too abstract when deep diving. However as a primer this is a helpful book.
Some of the argumentation is a little repetitious, but is still relevant.
July 28, 2024
Great book!
This book was very educational and informative on the main world religions and how to minister to their adherents as an evangelical Christian.l highly recommend that all believers in Jesus Christ read this book so that they can be effective witnesses in this 21st century world of religious pluralism.
This book was very educational and informative on the main world religions and how to minister to their adherents as an evangelical Christian.l highly recommend that all believers in Jesus Christ read this book so that they can be effective witnesses in this 21st century world of religious pluralism.
September 15, 2017
A good introductory read that features an evangelical and orthodox defense of biblical faith against four major religious traditions of the world today. It gives brief overviews of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam. Probably a bit too basic for the more serious student.
September 11, 2017
This is not a reading for enjoyment book but rather one of apologetics.
The author was well organized and I enjoyed the read!
The author was well organized and I enjoyed the read!
September 16, 2018
A great comparative to book for Christians. Quick read chart outl ines of his explanations makes it a very useful resource book.
March 10, 2017
`God Among Sages` is an apologetics book written by author Kenneth Richard Samples. His object is to explain why Jesus is not just another religious leader.
The contents are divided into three parts: (1) Historic Christian Portrait of Christ, (2) Four Major Leaders of World Religions and Jesus, (3) Christianity and the World's Religions. The author's overall theme is a clear understanding of what sets Jesus apart as not simply a teacher to follow but God Himself, worthy of our full allegiance and worship.
There are several tables throughout the book that helps the reader understand the different world religions and their leaders.I was surprised to learn: (1) Muslim also believes Jesus was born of a virgin, and (2) there is a UFO religion. Unless otherwise stated the scripture verses are taken from one of three versions: (1) New International Version, (2) English Standard Version, or (3) New Living Translation. There are much scripture references to support the author's thoughts.
I was encouraged that with Jesus, unlike other religions, women have real freedom. Jesus included them in His group, He acknowledged them, He treated them like people, not objects, He spoke to them in public, He treated them respectfully (see page 21).
This book would make a great addition to Christian schools or home schools. It's also perfect for Seekers and Believers. The text is well researched with references to additional books and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
The contents are divided into three parts: (1) Historic Christian Portrait of Christ, (2) Four Major Leaders of World Religions and Jesus, (3) Christianity and the World's Religions. The author's overall theme is a clear understanding of what sets Jesus apart as not simply a teacher to follow but God Himself, worthy of our full allegiance and worship.
There are several tables throughout the book that helps the reader understand the different world religions and their leaders.I was surprised to learn: (1) Muslim also believes Jesus was born of a virgin, and (2) there is a UFO religion. Unless otherwise stated the scripture verses are taken from one of three versions: (1) New International Version, (2) English Standard Version, or (3) New Living Translation. There are much scripture references to support the author's thoughts.
I was encouraged that with Jesus, unlike other religions, women have real freedom. Jesus included them in His group, He acknowledged them, He treated them like people, not objects, He spoke to them in public, He treated them respectfully (see page 21).
This book would make a great addition to Christian schools or home schools. It's also perfect for Seekers and Believers. The text is well researched with references to additional books and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
February 25, 2017
God Among Sages: Why Jesus Is Not Just Another Religious Leader by Kenneth Richard Samples.
I received this book a couple weeks ago. It is very well written and well researched (from the amount of study I have done.) It is going to take some time to really use the book and review the sections and references. I think it is going to be very helpful in my research and understanding of the Bible and a great help in my progress to walk with God. Thanks to Good-Reads for allowing me to have this great reference.
I received this book a couple weeks ago. It is very well written and well researched (from the amount of study I have done.) It is going to take some time to really use the book and review the sections and references. I think it is going to be very helpful in my research and understanding of the Bible and a great help in my progress to walk with God. Thanks to Good-Reads for allowing me to have this great reference.
February 9, 2017
I valued that Samples did some in depth research on the other religions and on Jesus. It's a great book that answers a lot of questions.
April 4, 2017
God Among Sages is almost difficult to characterize but generally falls into the realm of apologetics, I suppose. In his book, Kenneth Richard Samples tackles a significant number of Christian topics ranging from the historicity of the Gospels, analysis of Jesus' miracles, a compellation of Jesus' deity claims, and explanation of the hypostatic union and kenosis, a review of the parables, and much, much more. All of this would be more than enough to fill volumes, but this is just Part 1 of this book.
In Part 2, Samples tackles the teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam. In presenting the teachings of these other religions, he also provides comparisons with Christianity. In his analysis of these religions, he includes what he calls "Strengths" of that particular religion, areas of "Common Ground," and areas of conflict. Samples concludes his book in Part 3 with a discussion on Pluralism and the Biblical Perspective on world religions.
God Among Sages is a 230-page book.
The content of God Among Sages is sound. It's biblically-based (at least the Christian part, more on that later). My issue with the book is that it seems that Samples tried to produce something for everyone all under one cover, and in doing so, did not really do much justice to any ONE issue. As an example, Sample provides 1 1/2 pages on the Hypostatic Union and the concept of Kenosis. Entire BOOKS are written about this subject, necessarily so because it is both a complex and highly disputed topic among biblical scholars, of which Samples is not. Samples writes approx. 50 pages on Christology, Bibliology, and First Century History combined. I get it - this book is to be a comparison of God and the "gods" of other religions. But to try to lay the foundation for the Christian God and then teach AND compare Him to four other major world religions, in my opinion, just should not be done in 230 pages. I walked away with such a surface understanding of these world religions that I learned just enough to be dangerous and MAYBE to be able to have a 30-second conversation with a believer of one of these religions before I would run out of material.
The content was simply too ambitious for the length restrictions(?) of this book. Additionally, I need to note that I saw nothing to indicate that Samples is any type of expert in any one of these other world religions, which causes some concern. The book is endorsed by an apologist I admire however even he indicates that the book would best serve as a basis on which to mold a religions course, and I agree. I think this type and quantity of material would be better presented in a textbook that was intended to be devoured slowly over the course of a semester.
I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
In Part 2, Samples tackles the teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam. In presenting the teachings of these other religions, he also provides comparisons with Christianity. In his analysis of these religions, he includes what he calls "Strengths" of that particular religion, areas of "Common Ground," and areas of conflict. Samples concludes his book in Part 3 with a discussion on Pluralism and the Biblical Perspective on world religions.
God Among Sages is a 230-page book.
The content of God Among Sages is sound. It's biblically-based (at least the Christian part, more on that later). My issue with the book is that it seems that Samples tried to produce something for everyone all under one cover, and in doing so, did not really do much justice to any ONE issue. As an example, Sample provides 1 1/2 pages on the Hypostatic Union and the concept of Kenosis. Entire BOOKS are written about this subject, necessarily so because it is both a complex and highly disputed topic among biblical scholars, of which Samples is not. Samples writes approx. 50 pages on Christology, Bibliology, and First Century History combined. I get it - this book is to be a comparison of God and the "gods" of other religions. But to try to lay the foundation for the Christian God and then teach AND compare Him to four other major world religions, in my opinion, just should not be done in 230 pages. I walked away with such a surface understanding of these world religions that I learned just enough to be dangerous and MAYBE to be able to have a 30-second conversation with a believer of one of these religions before I would run out of material.
The content was simply too ambitious for the length restrictions(?) of this book. Additionally, I need to note that I saw nothing to indicate that Samples is any type of expert in any one of these other world religions, which causes some concern. The book is endorsed by an apologist I admire however even he indicates that the book would best serve as a basis on which to mold a religions course, and I agree. I think this type and quantity of material would be better presented in a textbook that was intended to be devoured slowly over the course of a semester.
I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews