The Compact Guide To World Religions

by Dean C. Halverson (Editor)

Keys to understanding our shrinking world



A generation ago almost everyone a Christian encountered went to church--or at least knew he or she should. Today, with the world at America's doorstep, evangelical Christians more than ever need to understand their neighbors and their changing beliefs.



The Compact Guide to World Religions is a complete, easy-to-use handbook of the origins, basic beliefs, and evangelistic challenges and opportunities of the world's major religions in clear, easy-to-use chapters and charts.

Genres: Religion, Reference, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, School, Spirituality

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Connor Longaphie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really good. Not only does it give a sufficient understanding of each faith covered but it also dives into how it compares to Christianity and the best strategies for engaging in dialogue with somebody of one of these other faiths.

[peyton glass · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was truly an overview, and i do wish there was more information. it seemed to skim over information for the sense of brevity; additionally, i did not realize it would be an evangelical tool. the tips are good but are very surface level.

[Daniel Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gave a good summary of each religion as well as tips for interacting with and evangelizing each group. There were some areas I disagreed with, but that has more to do with my background as well as the time in which we live. This book is almost thirty years old, so one may benefit from reading a more updated treatment of these religions in our postmodern culture.

[Dirk Eichhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent and compact overview of some of the world's most prominent belief systems. Examines many different scriptures and includes helpful comparison tables between one religion and another. A great source for introductory research on the topic.

[Bobby H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of faith systems and worldviews looking at history, beliefs and comparison to Christian beliefs. Also gives tips for evangelizing. Strange that Marxism is included.

[Rella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book for a thorough overview of the major world religions. I got a brief overview instead. The brief overview was well done, just not as in depth as I was looking for.

I somehow managed to miss the fact when ordering this book that is was aimed at evangelical Christians on how to convince someone of that religion to convert to Christianity. This was the true focus of more than half the book. Definitely not what I wanted.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sections on the summary of a particular religion were very helpful and succinct. The Christain tips were only occasionally helpful; the book isolated the issue to primarily a mental question, as well as emphasizing the "free gift" angle instead of New Covenant.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most excellent resource for comparisons of Christianity with other world religions in a concise clear writing style. I refer to this book on a regular basis. Every parent should send their kid to college with this book!

[Michael Berkompas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall this was a really good overview of common religions and how to approach them from a Christian perspective. Some of the arguments I disagree with because they place the listener in the position of judge over God, but overall it was quite good.

[Daniel Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, Halvorsen broke the belief structures of each world religion and made apt suggestions on how to introduce christ based on which world religion someone was coming from.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction to the various religions practiced around the world.

[Peter Pinyol]

very useful books to use as an evangelistic training tool.

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for those who want to get a deeper understanding of the religions worldwide without getting bogged down by the terminology and philosophical discussions. It's understandable, interesting, and well-written.