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So What's the Difference
Know The difference. Here Fritz Ridenour explain the basic tenets of Protestantism, Roman Catholic,Eastern Orthodoxy, Judaism, Islam , Hinduism , Buddhism , Jehovah's witnesses , Christian , new age, mormonism , and Other religions and belief of the word.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
September 18, 2015
Easily the most entertaining--and biased--book I've ever read. Laugh out loud moments:
- Pokémon cards "entice children and youth to become fascinated with occult powers as they summon the forces on the card"
- Buddhism is "one of many false religions that can leave it's followers open to demonic activity"
- Wicca and witchcraft attract vulnerable teenagers with their promise of inclusion and acceptance.
I suppose I should have expected a Christian author to write a biased book about other religions, but part of me hoped that it would be a more honest summary of them.
- Pokémon cards "entice children and youth to become fascinated with occult powers as they summon the forces on the card"
- Buddhism is "one of many false religions that can leave it's followers open to demonic activity"
- Wicca and witchcraft attract vulnerable teenagers with their promise of inclusion and acceptance.
I suppose I should have expected a Christian author to write a biased book about other religions, but part of me hoped that it would be a more honest summary of them.
July 29, 2012
I picked this book up looking for an easy to read primer on world religions. Warning to others: the author is not unbiased in his comparisons of religions. Because he isn't unbiased in his comparisons, I am wondering if I should trust those things he presents as facts.
He is quick to dismiss the validity of other religions not his. While I think he has every right to do so, I was disappointed and nothing in the book notes would have made me guess he had written a rant. I would not call this "non-judgmental". I would not call it "non-critical" unless by that they mean, not acceptable in the world of critical thinking. I agree with others who have commented that it is abrasive.
I think it is an interesting view into evangelical Christianity for those of us on the outside looking into that sect. (Let's assume he's typical, based on the number of very positive comments about this book.) If you are thinking of marrying into an evangelical family, this would be an excellent read.
I think it is almost comical that he makes Catholics almost not-Christian in his comparisons and descriptions. Any christian theology he attributes to them is grudging.
I do like that the way he defines world view:
"Your worldview is based on how you see answers to some rather important questions about life, which include: (1) Who or what is God? (2) Who am I and how do I operate in my world? (3) How can I tell right from wrong? (4) When it’s all over, where do I go (5) How can I know the truth; for that matter, how can I be sure that I know anything? (6) What does my life mean, and how do I fit into history, if at all?"
The chapters he picks for his books are also telling. Flip through to see who he thinks are "other". You'll find nearly everyone and as you read, you'll find that the author has little to "Compare" only to "Contrast" with this beliefs.
Again, I think you learn more about the author and his religion than you do about others. Based on the clear bias of opinions, I would be cautious of the facts he presents.
Pick up a different author if you want an unbiased explanation of world religions. If you are looking for theological terms like ecclesiology, Eschatology, soteriology, this isn't the book for you.
He is quick to dismiss the validity of other religions not his. While I think he has every right to do so, I was disappointed and nothing in the book notes would have made me guess he had written a rant. I would not call this "non-judgmental". I would not call it "non-critical" unless by that they mean, not acceptable in the world of critical thinking. I agree with others who have commented that it is abrasive.
I think it is an interesting view into evangelical Christianity for those of us on the outside looking into that sect. (Let's assume he's typical, based on the number of very positive comments about this book.) If you are thinking of marrying into an evangelical family, this would be an excellent read.
I think it is almost comical that he makes Catholics almost not-Christian in his comparisons and descriptions. Any christian theology he attributes to them is grudging.
I do like that the way he defines world view:
"Your worldview is based on how you see answers to some rather important questions about life, which include: (1) Who or what is God? (2) Who am I and how do I operate in my world? (3) How can I tell right from wrong? (4) When it’s all over, where do I go (5) How can I know the truth; for that matter, how can I be sure that I know anything? (6) What does my life mean, and how do I fit into history, if at all?"
The chapters he picks for his books are also telling. Flip through to see who he thinks are "other". You'll find nearly everyone and as you read, you'll find that the author has little to "Compare" only to "Contrast" with this beliefs.
Again, I think you learn more about the author and his religion than you do about others. Based on the clear bias of opinions, I would be cautious of the facts he presents.
Pick up a different author if you want an unbiased explanation of world religions. If you are looking for theological terms like ecclesiology, Eschatology, soteriology, this isn't the book for you.
August 20, 2012
If I could give this less than one star I would not hesitate to do so.
This author takes a very hateful view of every belief that is non-evangelical Christian. He condemns all people who do not hold his Protestant, evangelical conservative point of view. Ridenour also condemns “good works” and “moral living” as a means of achieving salvation. He states that “man is saved through faith in the atoning death of Christ on the cross.” Again and again while reading I found myself questioning statement about “other” religions that Ridenour presents as facts. Do I believe his “facts?” Do I trust him to present an unbiased view?
Quotable:
Page 7 It is important to realize that everyone has a worldview whether or not he or she can recognize or state it. You may not think about your worldview when you make decisions or express opinions, but it influences your thoughts, feelings and actions. Your worldview is based on how you see answers to some rather important questions about life, which include: (1) Who or what is God? (2) Who am I and how do I operate in my world? (3) How can I tell right from wrong? (4) When it’s all over, where do I go (5) How can I know the truth; for that matter, how can I be sure that I know anything? (6) What does my life mean, and how do I fit into history, if at all?
Page 9 Not only do we need to learn God’s commandments, but we also need His constant reminders of what is right and wrong because of our innate human capacity to be deceived, not only by other people but by Satan…
Page 15 Biblical Christians have to guard against heresy as well as against being too quick to judge other Christians with differing viewpoints.
Page 19 The Trinity is the particular target of critics in religions like Judaism and Islam, and in cults such as Unitarianism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism.
Page 20 We should not be surprised that in the trinity there is an element of mystery that defies any human analysis or understanding, because we are only human and Gog is God. ---?Don’t try to understand, you will be unable to.?
Page 32 How did the simple gospel taught by Paul and other writers of the New Testament develop into scores of viewpoints that all call themselves Christian but who cannot agree, often on very crucial issues? Why do these disagreements persist to this day? Can the gaps ever be bridged?
Page 83 As for Judas, the Gospels tell us that he was the one who betrayed Jesus; and in remorse for what he did, Judas hanged himself. Judas died at the end of a rope, not on the Cross at Calvary. ---?Angry believer?
Page 83 Mohammed sincerely tried to lead his followers out of idolatry by proclaiming himself a prophet and designing a religion of rules and regulations. Like Judaism, the religion of Islam places on each person a terrible burden of responsibility. But Jesus Christ has promised to life such burdens from the human heart: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28,30)
Page 103 Tantric Buddhism uses incantations and occult signs. It contains strong elements of animism (attributing conscious life to inanimate objects and objects in nature) and is one of many false religions that can leave its followers open to demonic activity. Tantrism is considered the official religion of Tibet and is practiced in Nepal.
Page 131 Analysis of Mormon views, past and present, reveals that they dismiss, twist, change or add to all biblical doctrines.
Page 168 Christian Science says “the material blood of Jesus was no more efficacious to cleanse from sin when it was shed upon ‘the accursed tree’ than it was flowing in His veins. Jesus’ students … learned that he had not died.” On the contrary, the central truth of the gospel is that atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Page 177 The attraction of freemasonry is that it calls itself a men’s fellowship to “make good men better” and professes to contain “no contradictions with Christianity.” In truth, freemasonry’s bedrock ideas come from ancient Gnostic, esoteric and pagan sources. At beginning levels, the religious worldview behind Freemasonry is Deism and Unitarianism, both of which teach that God is the creator and worthy of worship, that virtue and piety are good, that humans should repent from sin and that in the afterlife there will be rewards and punishments.
Page 189 International Churches of Christ…Most ICC converts become acquainted with the church by being invited to a Bible study, using the study First Principles: Basic Studies for Making Disciples by (Kip) McKean. The lesson titled “The Word of God” resembles a conservative evangelical approach, emphasing verses 2 Timothy 3:16. However, the slant of this lesson is to discourage “private interpretation,” to attack other churches’ “traditions and creeds” and to begin limiting critical thinking.
Page 196 No matter how hard secular humanists try, they cannot avoid arriving at the problem of claiming there are no absolute moral values. Somewhere, someone has to call the shots. The Christians believe God has called the shots and continues to do so. The humanist clings to the belief that human beings can decide what is moral and live peaceful, productive, happy lives. But mankind remains in the same old syndrome, Wars, atrocities, mass shootings and countless other tragedies continue unabated. And secular humanism provides no solution to these problems.
Page 209 While Unitarianism is at odds with biblical Christianity at every point, its weakest link is its claim that man is basically good and steadily improving. There is no doubt that humans are in a moral predicament from which they cannot escape. We want to change, but how can we? We are offered on one hand the answer of the Unitarians (which is the same answer offered by the liberals and secular humanists). On the other hand, we have the well-known words of Paul the apostle: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17). Now that is a difference!
This author takes a very hateful view of every belief that is non-evangelical Christian. He condemns all people who do not hold his Protestant, evangelical conservative point of view. Ridenour also condemns “good works” and “moral living” as a means of achieving salvation. He states that “man is saved through faith in the atoning death of Christ on the cross.” Again and again while reading I found myself questioning statement about “other” religions that Ridenour presents as facts. Do I believe his “facts?” Do I trust him to present an unbiased view?
Quotable:
Page 7 It is important to realize that everyone has a worldview whether or not he or she can recognize or state it. You may not think about your worldview when you make decisions or express opinions, but it influences your thoughts, feelings and actions. Your worldview is based on how you see answers to some rather important questions about life, which include: (1) Who or what is God? (2) Who am I and how do I operate in my world? (3) How can I tell right from wrong? (4) When it’s all over, where do I go (5) How can I know the truth; for that matter, how can I be sure that I know anything? (6) What does my life mean, and how do I fit into history, if at all?
Page 9 Not only do we need to learn God’s commandments, but we also need His constant reminders of what is right and wrong because of our innate human capacity to be deceived, not only by other people but by Satan…
Page 15 Biblical Christians have to guard against heresy as well as against being too quick to judge other Christians with differing viewpoints.
Page 19 The Trinity is the particular target of critics in religions like Judaism and Islam, and in cults such as Unitarianism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism.
Page 20 We should not be surprised that in the trinity there is an element of mystery that defies any human analysis or understanding, because we are only human and Gog is God. ---?Don’t try to understand, you will be unable to.?
Page 32 How did the simple gospel taught by Paul and other writers of the New Testament develop into scores of viewpoints that all call themselves Christian but who cannot agree, often on very crucial issues? Why do these disagreements persist to this day? Can the gaps ever be bridged?
Page 83 As for Judas, the Gospels tell us that he was the one who betrayed Jesus; and in remorse for what he did, Judas hanged himself. Judas died at the end of a rope, not on the Cross at Calvary. ---?Angry believer?
Page 83 Mohammed sincerely tried to lead his followers out of idolatry by proclaiming himself a prophet and designing a religion of rules and regulations. Like Judaism, the religion of Islam places on each person a terrible burden of responsibility. But Jesus Christ has promised to life such burdens from the human heart: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28,30)
Page 103 Tantric Buddhism uses incantations and occult signs. It contains strong elements of animism (attributing conscious life to inanimate objects and objects in nature) and is one of many false religions that can leave its followers open to demonic activity. Tantrism is considered the official religion of Tibet and is practiced in Nepal.
Page 131 Analysis of Mormon views, past and present, reveals that they dismiss, twist, change or add to all biblical doctrines.
Page 168 Christian Science says “the material blood of Jesus was no more efficacious to cleanse from sin when it was shed upon ‘the accursed tree’ than it was flowing in His veins. Jesus’ students … learned that he had not died.” On the contrary, the central truth of the gospel is that atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Page 177 The attraction of freemasonry is that it calls itself a men’s fellowship to “make good men better” and professes to contain “no contradictions with Christianity.” In truth, freemasonry’s bedrock ideas come from ancient Gnostic, esoteric and pagan sources. At beginning levels, the religious worldview behind Freemasonry is Deism and Unitarianism, both of which teach that God is the creator and worthy of worship, that virtue and piety are good, that humans should repent from sin and that in the afterlife there will be rewards and punishments.
Page 189 International Churches of Christ…Most ICC converts become acquainted with the church by being invited to a Bible study, using the study First Principles: Basic Studies for Making Disciples by (Kip) McKean. The lesson titled “The Word of God” resembles a conservative evangelical approach, emphasing verses 2 Timothy 3:16. However, the slant of this lesson is to discourage “private interpretation,” to attack other churches’ “traditions and creeds” and to begin limiting critical thinking.
Page 196 No matter how hard secular humanists try, they cannot avoid arriving at the problem of claiming there are no absolute moral values. Somewhere, someone has to call the shots. The Christians believe God has called the shots and continues to do so. The humanist clings to the belief that human beings can decide what is moral and live peaceful, productive, happy lives. But mankind remains in the same old syndrome, Wars, atrocities, mass shootings and countless other tragedies continue unabated. And secular humanism provides no solution to these problems.
Page 209 While Unitarianism is at odds with biblical Christianity at every point, its weakest link is its claim that man is basically good and steadily improving. There is no doubt that humans are in a moral predicament from which they cannot escape. We want to change, but how can we? We are offered on one hand the answer of the Unitarians (which is the same answer offered by the liberals and secular humanists). On the other hand, we have the well-known words of Paul the apostle: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17). Now that is a difference!
March 22, 2009
I was having a hard time differentiating between religions, and didn't know if I was going to buy the opinion that all religions have the same base belief. My husband had this book from when he attended Bible college and I sat down one night with it and my Bible. It took me about a week or so to get through it, and although someone who wasn't a believer might take offense, it does offer sheer facts that I've compared with other references. I came out of the experience realizing that all religions are far from having the same base, and the beliefs are vastly different and varying from one to the next. I recommend it for anyone curious or one feeling they need direction.
August 18, 2017
If you're looking for an objective, unbiased view of religions, like I was, this is not the right book. I was looking for a basic summary of the plots and core beliefs, which it did to some extent, but was filtered through the eyes of a devout Christian. That's probably my own fault for expecting the wrong thing though, but it's good if you're able to look through the authors thinly veiled digs at other religions.
February 22, 2021
I'm snickering at the many reviews that are complaining about the fact that this book is biased toward Christianity when the title of the book says that they COMPARE other religions to Christianity... SMH. What exactly did you expect here...?
Ridenour gives a summary of each worldview religion (or attempts to--some of them are too big and too "relative" to explain in such a short book) and compares it to what the Bible says. I walked away with a better understanding of how to defend my faith in certain circumstances, and against certain beliefs. If you're looking for brief snippets of religions and how they contradict the Bible, I would definitely recommend. Just prepare yourself for some of the most DRY reading I have ever read (And I would include my college algebra book in that equation.). My big suggestion with reading this and with being able to defend your faith is to follow up with--or even start with--another book showing the accuracy of the Bible and why it is defined as absolute truth. While Ridenour gives a few little pieces here and there in the chapter on Christianity, I feel like immersing oneself into more of those details and having that knowledge will better prepare you in the long run.
Ridenour gives a summary of each worldview religion (or attempts to--some of them are too big and too "relative" to explain in such a short book) and compares it to what the Bible says. I walked away with a better understanding of how to defend my faith in certain circumstances, and against certain beliefs. If you're looking for brief snippets of religions and how they contradict the Bible, I would definitely recommend. Just prepare yourself for some of the most DRY reading I have ever read (And I would include my college algebra book in that equation.). My big suggestion with reading this and with being able to defend your faith is to follow up with--or even start with--another book showing the accuracy of the Bible and why it is defined as absolute truth. While Ridenour gives a few little pieces here and there in the chapter on Christianity, I feel like immersing oneself into more of those details and having that knowledge will better prepare you in the long run.
August 11, 2017
Not objective , and boring
September 10, 2013
Caveat, I did not read the entire book, but I did read all of most chapters. It was terrible, for me. It's not fair to give it only 1 star out of 5, but life ain't fair, Fritz! The book contains plenty of information, and communicates it in a mostly clear fashion, so that alone shd be enough for a rating of 2-3 out of 5. But no, I can't do it! This topic has so much potential for life-transforming writing. Instead we get a mediocre wiki page, written by a conservative geezer.
Hinduism.
Fritz: Not in my back yard!
Islam?
Fritz: Get off my lawn!
Mormonism?
Fritz: *Shakes cane*.
Do you shake your cane at me, sir?
Fritz: I do shake my cane, sir!
Do you shake your cane AT ME, sir?
Fritz: Is the law of my side, if I say ay?
Fritz's attorney: Well, sir, you may shake your cane at anything that constitutes a cult, so if we define everything that's not conservative Christian as a cult, and then you may shake your cane at it.
Blarg. So much potential. There's so much life changing to be had, by Christians, using tools not associated with conservative Xty, using concepts and beliefs and terminology crafted and polished by other religions. He misses all of it.
And as a friend of mine points out, he makes the straw-man mistake of condemning all of post-modern Xty, bc he disagrees with the most extreme view of its epistemology. When po-mo churches have a lot more to worry about and offer than philosophical views on knowledge.
Ugh. I shd have the objectivity and fortitude and humility to give at least 2/5 stars, for the information. But what I want from even a non-fic book is everything but the facts, ma'am.
Hinduism.
Fritz: Not in my back yard!
Islam?
Fritz: Get off my lawn!
Mormonism?
Fritz: *Shakes cane*.
Do you shake your cane at me, sir?
Fritz: I do shake my cane, sir!
Do you shake your cane AT ME, sir?
Fritz: Is the law of my side, if I say ay?
Fritz's attorney: Well, sir, you may shake your cane at anything that constitutes a cult, so if we define everything that's not conservative Christian as a cult, and then you may shake your cane at it.
Blarg. So much potential. There's so much life changing to be had, by Christians, using tools not associated with conservative Xty, using concepts and beliefs and terminology crafted and polished by other religions. He misses all of it.
And as a friend of mine points out, he makes the straw-man mistake of condemning all of post-modern Xty, bc he disagrees with the most extreme view of its epistemology. When po-mo churches have a lot more to worry about and offer than philosophical views on knowledge.
Ugh. I shd have the objectivity and fortitude and humility to give at least 2/5 stars, for the information. But what I want from even a non-fic book is everything but the facts, ma'am.
November 17, 2017
If I could give this book a lower star rating, I absolutely would. This is absolutely the worst comparative religions book I have ever read. A more appropriate title would be "Why I'm Better Than Everyone Else." The author makes critical errors in identifying and labeling different philosophies, confuses economic/political ideologies with religious ones, and is overall hateful of every form of alternative perspective painting them all as dangerous to the mere existence of Christianity, while favoring only his specific Christian interpretation.
I finished the book only because I am a fact checker by trade and it's in my nature to correct misinformation. My margins are full of notes and corrections. Every single page was dripping with bias, misinformation and logical fallacies.
Absolutely horrendous book; would never recommend.
I finished the book only because I am a fact checker by trade and it's in my nature to correct misinformation. My margins are full of notes and corrections. Every single page was dripping with bias, misinformation and logical fallacies.
Absolutely horrendous book; would never recommend.
January 12, 2017
This is NOT a balanced and fair look at different religions. This book should be called "How Conservative Evangelicals view Other Religions". I have some real problems with this book. To name a few, they call Evolution a religion, Freemasons are cults, and make so many sexist statements about how women in the feminist movement causes problems that I lost track of all the times. They label "liberals" as bad people who don't believe in the word of God, but don't bother to explain what exactly a liberal is or how they are judged as being bad. This book is crap. If you want an honest evaluation of the various religions look somewhere else.
July 3, 2012
Second Read (2023): I am so glad I reread this book! The first time I read this was before I had started college, and I was not the same kind of critical reader and thinker that I am now. I really enjoyed learning about all of the different religions included in this text. As a biblical Christian, it’s important that I understand what others believe in order to be ever more confident in my own beliefs. Some of the worldviews that exist are mind-boggling. It’s hard to understand how people can buy into some of them, but I also know that how a person is raised greatly influences their beliefs. I am so grateful I was raised in a Christian home and feel confident in my beliefs. This text was definitely written for a Christian audience, and I would certainly recommend it for anyone who wants a better understanding of other people’s beliefs.
First Review (2012): I have such an interest in learning about what other people believe. I am very strong in my faith and did not read this to explore other options, but rather to understand what some of my friends and the people around me believe. It was very informative, and I still look stuff up in this book to refresh my memory when a question of religion arises!
First Review (2012): I have such an interest in learning about what other people believe. I am very strong in my faith and did not read this to explore other options, but rather to understand what some of my friends and the people around me believe. It was very informative, and I still look stuff up in this book to refresh my memory when a question of religion arises!
March 14, 2010
Having studied apologetics and comparative religions for several years, I found nothing in this book that I hadn't read elsewhere. That said, I can see this as a great introductory volume for Christians new to the study of other faiths. I'll certainly recommend it to others.
Be advised that there are certain minor errors -- poosibly due to poor editing -- that, while not damaging in themselves, do cast some doubt on Ridenour's factual credibility. On the other hand, the treatment of the various religious groups is far more nuanced than is usual in evangelical literature, which to my mind more than makes up for getting a name wrong here or there.
Be advised that there are certain minor errors -- poosibly due to poor editing -- that, while not damaging in themselves, do cast some doubt on Ridenour's factual credibility. On the other hand, the treatment of the various religious groups is far more nuanced than is usual in evangelical literature, which to my mind more than makes up for getting a name wrong here or there.
October 9, 2008
I'm really not sure what to say about this book. I was generally informative, but lacked grace. He had a good general format with the contrast and comparison, but I'm not quite sure who he was writing for. If it was for the Christian, and I found myself often "offended" by abrasiveness at times; I can only imagine how a non-christian would experience the book. It generally felt like the author was angry as opposed to honestly and openly teaching and educating the readers. I can't say it was a worthless read, but I certainly would qualify my recommendations of/for it.
July 1, 2019
I wasn't sure whether to rate this 1 star or 4. The bias in this book runs deep, though it is a very informative book, just not the way that the author intended. It is useful in learning how his particular section of Christianity sees the rest of the world. Kinda depressing. None of the religions outside his narrow view of Christianity are given a fair comparison. Do yourself a favor, if you are looking for an understanding of world religions, don't come here. If you are someone on the outside wanting to see how mainstream Christians see you, this is your resource.
June 24, 2019
Those who have wondered what makes Christianity so unique compared to other religions and cults of the world can now begin their research with this informative guide through multiple beliefs that will analyze and explore who God is to the people of varying beliefs. Ridenour will keep even resistant readers enthralled with this engaging comparison between Christian views and the religions of the world. Sit down for a lesson on the power of faith in Christ!
January 16, 2019
Uncomfortably biased towards the evangelical Christian, but still, had helpful info for someone like me, who is trying to learn more about religions in general.
As long as you completely recognize the extreme bias, it’s a helpful book.
As long as you completely recognize the extreme bias, it’s a helpful book.
January 5, 2020
4 stars because this book really has a lot of information, interestingly presented. It’s easy and enjoyable to read and discuss. However, it really can get redundant and over the top with its comparing each group’s beliefs to Protestant Christianity.
July 4, 2022
I found it to be very informational and fact based. As I got further into the book, I went to the chapter summaries and have decided that this is a good reference book to be brought out when needed. I'm glad I have it.
May 29, 2024
this book is a great introduction to different religions and how they differ from the core beliefs of christianity with lots of biblical evidence to support each difference. I would highly suggest every christian read this at some point
March 23, 2026
Outstanding source of information for understanding other religions from a Biblical Christianity perspective. Other’s (and our own) theology is often overlooked in our modern culture and this is a great book to get on the road to truly understanding why we believe what we believe and how that belief contrasts to others. Recommend.
Read
February 18, 2026So What's the Difference? is a good introduction to various world religions and worldviews, especially if you are interested in how they differ from biblical Christianity.
From the start, Fritz Ridenour is clear about the goal of the book, stating that it is "to spell out the differences between the historic Christian faith and other views represented in major religions, cults and ideologies." Treating the Bible as the source against which other faiths are compared, Ridenour sets out to show how each ideology differs from biblical Christianity on a few key points. For example, in the chapter on Buddhism, he explains that Buddhists see Jesus as a good teacher who is less important than Buddha, while Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God who died for mankind's sins.
Ridenour uses clear, simple writing while staying focused on the key points that differ from Christianity. This keeps the comparison concise, allowing the reader to complete each section in a single sitting. However, if the reader wants to dig deeper into a particular ideology, Ridenour includes many citations supporting his claims, along with reference materials for further research. In fact, there are over 500 citations for readers to peruse if they find themselves wanting to explore further, as I did.
Between the succinct comparisons and abundant endnotes, So What's the Difference? serves as a good starting point for those interested in comparative worldviews. You won't find everything you need directly in the book, but intellectually curious readers will discover plenty of rabbit trails to follow, leading them to a better understanding of how Christianity differs from other ideologies.
From the start, Fritz Ridenour is clear about the goal of the book, stating that it is "to spell out the differences between the historic Christian faith and other views represented in major religions, cults and ideologies." Treating the Bible as the source against which other faiths are compared, Ridenour sets out to show how each ideology differs from biblical Christianity on a few key points. For example, in the chapter on Buddhism, he explains that Buddhists see Jesus as a good teacher who is less important than Buddha, while Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God who died for mankind's sins.
Ridenour uses clear, simple writing while staying focused on the key points that differ from Christianity. This keeps the comparison concise, allowing the reader to complete each section in a single sitting. However, if the reader wants to dig deeper into a particular ideology, Ridenour includes many citations supporting his claims, along with reference materials for further research. In fact, there are over 500 citations for readers to peruse if they find themselves wanting to explore further, as I did.
Between the succinct comparisons and abundant endnotes, So What's the Difference? serves as a good starting point for those interested in comparative worldviews. You won't find everything you need directly in the book, but intellectually curious readers will discover plenty of rabbit trails to follow, leading them to a better understanding of how Christianity differs from other ideologies.
March 6, 2014
This is an interesting look at world religions which offers some insightful looks at what the various groups believe. However, I found some mistakes in the version I have (pub. 1984). Having been raised Catholic I knew some of the beliefs and doctrines he accused them of were not true. This made me skeptical of whether there were other facts that were not quite accurate in his writings.
In a nutshell, it is an interesting place to start and I appreciate the effort that went into it but it has flaws. I did appreciate the author,s emphasis on the fact that unless you are a Universalist, Hindu or Unitarian religions tend to teach exclusivity. That is, they believe that their way is the way to salvation, NOT all ways are the ways to salvation. Good point to remember.
In a nutshell, it is an interesting place to start and I appreciate the effort that went into it but it has flaws. I did appreciate the author,s emphasis on the fact that unless you are a Universalist, Hindu or Unitarian religions tend to teach exclusivity. That is, they believe that their way is the way to salvation, NOT all ways are the ways to salvation. Good point to remember.
February 26, 2013
Great stuff! A very quick run through the major World Religions and how the compare to Christianity.
I prefer more indepth volumes like Ruth Tucker's Another Gospel - but Ridenour's book gets right to the point and is a wonderful quick resource.
(My version of So What's The Difference? was the 5th printing and only 140 pages. I would like to find the larger version for reference.)
I prefer more indepth volumes like Ruth Tucker's Another Gospel - but Ridenour's book gets right to the point and is a wonderful quick resource.
(My version of So What's The Difference? was the 5th printing and only 140 pages. I would like to find the larger version for reference.)
September 2, 2009
I was given this book by a friend in my bible study. I like to be informed and educated on how and why My Beliefs differ from other World Religions. Very interesting facts. This book built my faith up even more. I know I serve the one and only true God.
July 26, 2022
I read a shorter version that came out in the 1960s.
Maybe 2.5-3
Author was just super biased
Maybe 2.5-3
Author was just super biased
December 22, 2023
It’s sometimes hard to weed out bias in these types of books, but not this time.
In general, it was an interesting read (sometimes preachy), but he lost some credibility when he defines cults on p. 111 1) doesn’t believe in trinity; 2) they believe other Christian churches are wrong and they are right; 3) might believe in the Bible but distort the truth; 4) can not be saved by Jesus alone; 5) are skillful in using Christian terminology incorrectly…..and then he broke out the lds church as a cult versus also including the Roman Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Islam, and less conservative forms of Judaism as NOT sharing those characteristics …..all of these religions meet as many or more of the five definitions as the Mormon faith.
And, as a very comfortable and educated agnostic, who lives in salt lake, I had the fortunate access of walking across the street to meet with our stake president and bishop for a little fact checking and found 11 MAJOR errors in 16 pages where Fritz said things were noted in the Book of Mormon and they weren’t (“false, not scriptural” according to my neighborhood authority.” And one of these church members was a two generation direct descendent of the church’s highest leader….not a poorly connected Mormon.
To add insult to injury Fritz, just after saying that the word “cult” isn’t meant to be used in a disparaging way, writes “the Mormons put on an admirable facade that communicates caring, strong emphasis on building family, and a clean living and commitment to Christ”. Anyone who has ever spoken to a Mormon about any of these topics would quickly realize that calling their efforts a facade is ridiculous……most families (values, love, education, etc) would put every other family to shame. What a terrible thing to say…..and way inaccurate.
The challenge for me is that until I had a few experts look at the LDS section, I didn’t realize how inaccurate Fritz had been on that section. And, if I found so much mis-information in one section, it concerns me regarding the accuracy of the rest.
Again, I have no skin in the game other than curiosity, but when I chose to study religion, it is always nice to have accurate data. And this LDS section gave me hesitant pause regarding the rest.
In general, it was an interesting read (sometimes preachy), but he lost some credibility when he defines cults on p. 111 1) doesn’t believe in trinity; 2) they believe other Christian churches are wrong and they are right; 3) might believe in the Bible but distort the truth; 4) can not be saved by Jesus alone; 5) are skillful in using Christian terminology incorrectly…..and then he broke out the lds church as a cult versus also including the Roman Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Islam, and less conservative forms of Judaism as NOT sharing those characteristics …..all of these religions meet as many or more of the five definitions as the Mormon faith.
And, as a very comfortable and educated agnostic, who lives in salt lake, I had the fortunate access of walking across the street to meet with our stake president and bishop for a little fact checking and found 11 MAJOR errors in 16 pages where Fritz said things were noted in the Book of Mormon and they weren’t (“false, not scriptural” according to my neighborhood authority.” And one of these church members was a two generation direct descendent of the church’s highest leader….not a poorly connected Mormon.
To add insult to injury Fritz, just after saying that the word “cult” isn’t meant to be used in a disparaging way, writes “the Mormons put on an admirable facade that communicates caring, strong emphasis on building family, and a clean living and commitment to Christ”. Anyone who has ever spoken to a Mormon about any of these topics would quickly realize that calling their efforts a facade is ridiculous……most families (values, love, education, etc) would put every other family to shame. What a terrible thing to say…..and way inaccurate.
The challenge for me is that until I had a few experts look at the LDS section, I didn’t realize how inaccurate Fritz had been on that section. And, if I found so much mis-information in one section, it concerns me regarding the accuracy of the rest.
Again, I have no skin in the game other than curiosity, but when I chose to study religion, it is always nice to have accurate data. And this LDS section gave me hesitant pause regarding the rest.
December 20, 2024
I'm sorry to admit that I read this twice, because it's so boring that it helped me get drowsy enough for sleep. That's the only good thing about it -- other than showing you how hateful and flat-out ignorant "Biblical" Christians can be. Evangelical Born Again Biblical literalists is another description of this cancer in our society.
The really ironic thing is that the author wants to eliminate many other religions that tolerate even his virulent denomination of Christianity. He spends much of the book whining about how other Christian denominations, including Catholics, are conspiring against Biblical Christians to send your kids to hell ... and then makes fun of Christian Scientists for not believing in reality. There are many reasons to make fun of Christian Scientists, but Biblical Christians don't believe in reality, either.
If I could get my damn tablet's copy and paste function working, I'd stick an image of the pot calling the kettle black here.
He also states that evolution is anti-Biblical, even though millions of Christians have zero problem with evolution. He claims that Pokémon is teaching kids the occult, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles teaches kids Zen Buddhism, and that Star Wars is anti Christian as well, so again ... he's not exactly friends with reality.
Another wrong thing is that he claims "New Agers" are all in on a vast worldwide conspiracy for a one world government and one world religion. He gets this from one writer who no one's ever heard of. If there's anything less organized than the New Age, I haven't seen it. And there is no "one religion" in New Age-flavored spiritual practices.
He claims Christianity helped get the caste phenomenon outlawed in India ... and then in the Buddhism chapter lets slip that Buddha taught against the caste system. Buddha lived about 500 years before Jesus supposedly did.
Interesting that he didn't go after Scientology, which is after a one world religion, and was far more prominent when both editions came out than some of the cults he does go after. He also makes no mention of his own denomination, which also wants one world religion, with some Jews left alone so the Biblical Christians have someone to feel superior to.
The really ironic thing is that the author wants to eliminate many other religions that tolerate even his virulent denomination of Christianity. He spends much of the book whining about how other Christian denominations, including Catholics, are conspiring against Biblical Christians to send your kids to hell ... and then makes fun of Christian Scientists for not believing in reality. There are many reasons to make fun of Christian Scientists, but Biblical Christians don't believe in reality, either.
If I could get my damn tablet's copy and paste function working, I'd stick an image of the pot calling the kettle black here.
He also states that evolution is anti-Biblical, even though millions of Christians have zero problem with evolution. He claims that Pokémon is teaching kids the occult, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles teaches kids Zen Buddhism, and that Star Wars is anti Christian as well, so again ... he's not exactly friends with reality.
Another wrong thing is that he claims "New Agers" are all in on a vast worldwide conspiracy for a one world government and one world religion. He gets this from one writer who no one's ever heard of. If there's anything less organized than the New Age, I haven't seen it. And there is no "one religion" in New Age-flavored spiritual practices.
He claims Christianity helped get the caste phenomenon outlawed in India ... and then in the Buddhism chapter lets slip that Buddha taught against the caste system. Buddha lived about 500 years before Jesus supposedly did.
Interesting that he didn't go after Scientology, which is after a one world religion, and was far more prominent when both editions came out than some of the cults he does go after. He also makes no mention of his own denomination, which also wants one world religion, with some Jews left alone so the Biblical Christians have someone to feel superior to.
April 13, 2021
De fapt, despre ce diferenţe este vorba?
Această carte se referă la „diferenţa” între credinţa creştină şi principalele religii şi secte ale lumii. Multe cărţi s-au scris despre religie. Unele s-au străduit să arate că toate religiile sunt esenţialmente la fel, că ele sunt doar „diferite căi” care duc la acelaşi Dumnezeu. Dar conform Bibliei, nu toate religiile duc la Dumnezeu.
Există diferenţe – esenţiale, de neevitat – între învăţăturile creştinismului biblic şi învăţăturile, de exemplu, ale mahomedanilor şi ale hinduşilor.
„Creştinismul biblic” se referă la convingerile proclamate de majoritatea creştinilor de la începutul Bisericii în primul secol. Aceste convingeri fundamentale, aşa cum sunt arătate în Biblie, includ următoarele elemente:
— Dumnezeu S-a întrupat în Omul Isus Cristos.
— Isus Cristos a ispăşit (a plătit pentru) păcatele omului prin moartea Sa pe cruce.
— Cristos a înviat din mormânt, în trup, învingând moartea şi dovedind că El este Dumnezeu.
— Biblia este Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu, inspirat, cu autoritate, infailibil.
Nici o altă religie sau denominaţie religioasă din lume nu este de acord cu creştinismul biblic asupra acestor patru puncte. Scopul acestei cărţi intitulată: „De fapt, care este diferenţa?”, este să explice exact prin ce diferă creştinismul de alte credinţe şi în ce constă de fapt aceste diferenţe.
Această carte se referă la „diferenţa” între credinţa creştină şi principalele religii şi secte ale lumii. Multe cărţi s-au scris despre religie. Unele s-au străduit să arate că toate religiile sunt esenţialmente la fel, că ele sunt doar „diferite căi” care duc la acelaşi Dumnezeu. Dar conform Bibliei, nu toate religiile duc la Dumnezeu.
Există diferenţe – esenţiale, de neevitat – între învăţăturile creştinismului biblic şi învăţăturile, de exemplu, ale mahomedanilor şi ale hinduşilor.
„Creştinismul biblic” se referă la convingerile proclamate de majoritatea creştinilor de la începutul Bisericii în primul secol. Aceste convingeri fundamentale, aşa cum sunt arătate în Biblie, includ următoarele elemente:
— Dumnezeu S-a întrupat în Omul Isus Cristos.
— Isus Cristos a ispăşit (a plătit pentru) păcatele omului prin moartea Sa pe cruce.
— Cristos a înviat din mormânt, în trup, învingând moartea şi dovedind că El este Dumnezeu.
— Biblia este Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu, inspirat, cu autoritate, infailibil.
Nici o altă religie sau denominaţie religioasă din lume nu este de acord cu creştinismul biblic asupra acestor patru puncte. Scopul acestei cărţi intitulată: „De fapt, care este diferenţa?”, este să explice exact prin ce diferă creştinismul de alte credinţe şi în ce constă de fapt aceste diferenţe.
August 26, 2025
The Author’s purpose of this book is to help you convert those of different faiths to Christianity, however, I interpreted this more like a guide as to what christians think about other religions. The new age and postmodernism chapters really gave me insight on how christians might view me.
This book was given to me by an older christian colleague when we started discussing religion and I had numerous questions about other religions. To summarize the entire book, it basically pits every religion against Christianity and takes a lot of the history and principles of each religion out of context and compares it to the Bible. At the end of each chapter, it basically conveys the message that other religions are bad and that protestant evengelical christianity is good. This book alone does a poor job of convincing anyone of different faiths to follow the same path as the author.
If you want objective perspectives on each religion, save yourself some time and just read individual books for each. You should only be reading this book if you want to further validate your faith in Christ or if you want to understand specific viewpoints of christians that are strictly against the idea of relative truth. I’ve gained a lot of insight and I am looking forward to my next conversation with my colleague.
This book was given to me by an older christian colleague when we started discussing religion and I had numerous questions about other religions. To summarize the entire book, it basically pits every religion against Christianity and takes a lot of the history and principles of each religion out of context and compares it to the Bible. At the end of each chapter, it basically conveys the message that other religions are bad and that protestant evengelical christianity is good. This book alone does a poor job of convincing anyone of different faiths to follow the same path as the author.
If you want objective perspectives on each religion, save yourself some time and just read individual books for each. You should only be reading this book if you want to further validate your faith in Christ or if you want to understand specific viewpoints of christians that are strictly against the idea of relative truth. I’ve gained a lot of insight and I am looking forward to my next conversation with my colleague.
January 4, 2021
OK, I bought this book because it's introduction on Amazon reads:
How does orthodox Christianity differ from other faiths? In a straightforward, noncritical comparison, Ridenour explores the basic tenets of twenty worldviews, religions, and faiths.
Please pay attention to "noncritical comparison".
On page 172, the author claims that "evolutionists believe the Big Bang happened 3 or 4 billion years ago", which means he was too lazy to even check the wiki page of the subject he was writing about, and yet so many people (Christian, I suppose) trust the words from a guy like this. Furthermore, the appendix is a list of elaborately selected references books that all deny the other worldviews but Christian Protestantism. The author's tone is full of sarcasm on other worldviews throughout the whole book, and lacks the evidence to back up his position.
Well, only those who fear and can't handle the truth so much, need to weave lies, like this book, to collaboratively build up an illusion and so that they can take such an illusion as their reality and live in it 'happily'.
How does orthodox Christianity differ from other faiths? In a straightforward, noncritical comparison, Ridenour explores the basic tenets of twenty worldviews, religions, and faiths.
Please pay attention to "noncritical comparison".
On page 172, the author claims that "evolutionists believe the Big Bang happened 3 or 4 billion years ago", which means he was too lazy to even check the wiki page of the subject he was writing about, and yet so many people (Christian, I suppose) trust the words from a guy like this. Furthermore, the appendix is a list of elaborately selected references books that all deny the other worldviews but Christian Protestantism. The author's tone is full of sarcasm on other worldviews throughout the whole book, and lacks the evidence to back up his position.
Well, only those who fear and can't handle the truth so much, need to weave lies, like this book, to collaboratively build up an illusion and so that they can take such an illusion as their reality and live in it 'happily'.
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