Four Wise Men: The Lives and Teachings of Confucius, the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad

by Mark W. Muesse

Confucius, the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad are among the most thoughtful and influential people in history. By their words and examples, they have inspired countless individuals to live better and more meaningful lives and have shaped the institutions and worldviews we live in today. Four Wise Men is an accessible introduction to each of these sages in his historical context and a provocative comparison of their lives and teachings. Through careful study, this book examines the ways these fascinating figures speak as one and the ways they differ. Although their voices come from the distant past, they still have wise words to say to us today. "Four Wise Men offers a compelling and provocative comparative study of extraordinarily gifted leaders whose lives and teachings not only shaped great world religions; they provided invaluable, timeless guides for how to live well even in the face of great adversity. Many who know Mark Muesse from his popular contributions to The Great Courses have already discovered his rare gifts as a teacher-scholar able to reach a wide audience. Four Wise Men is a superb, yet accessible resource for college and divinity students, book clubs, serious adult study programs in churches, and a wide range of interested nonspecialists. I'll be using this book in courses on comparative religion for many years to come!" --Charles Kimball, Presidential Professor and Director of Religious Studies, University of Oklahoma; author of When Religion Becomes Five Warning Signs Mark W. Muesse is the W. J. Millard Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College. He is the author of The Hindu Traditions (2011) and The Age of the Sages (2013).

Genres: Religion

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2017

About the author

Mark William Muesse is an American philosopher, theologian, and teacher. Muesse was born in Waco, Texas and attended University High School. He received a B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Baylor University and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Four and the ONE

This book is like an Express Lane - a fast track that gets you to your destination but doesn't give you a lot of time to appreciate the scenery. This is not a criticism; it is description, I think, of the author's intent. For a deeper dive into the teachings of the four sages and the traditions that emerge as a result, there is an excellent bibliography at the book's end.

I also think Meusse makes the important distinction between what we can say is true about the four as opposed to what we (or others) are inclined to believe about them. He comes at his subjects dispassionately but reverently, careful not to upset anyone's apple cart. He compares and contrasts all the while honoring both the sages who are his subjects and their respective followers. It's a worthwhile read.

[Jim Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise Descriptions of Four Great Thinkers

Professor Muesse clearly lays out the historical life based on fact of each of the four founders of what has become dominant world religions. They were not necessarily so during the sages’ lifetimes, but their enduring appeal elevated them to significance in many lives today. The book is concise and promotes introspection of the reader’s own beliefs. It doesn’t promote one belief system over another, but strives for an even handed explanation of each.

[Mills College Library]

200.922 M948 2017