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Spectator's Guides
Spectator's Guide to World Religions
In this lively and timely overview, each of the world's major religions is presented in a full and unbiased manner. The history, tenets, and spiritual practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all provided, along with sections that explore their similarities and differences. Perfect for skeptics, believers, and students of religion alike, this is an accessible and informative introduction to the world's broadest faiths.
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
12 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
John Dickson
96 books131 followersJohn focuses on the big ideas that have shaped our world.
His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.
With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .
John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.
His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).
His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.
With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .
John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.
His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2025
John Dickson at his best. A good and honest reflection on the other big religions of the world without disparaging them or belittling them.
"If I need to obscure other Faiths in order to make my own look good, I clearly don't trust Christ's capacity to hold his own in the 'art gallary' of the Faiths. In reality, I am more than ever convinced of the unique truthfulness and beauty of Christ admist the world religions. And I could think of no better way to express that confidence than to turn the lights on full and let you browse the entire collection yourself."
"If I need to obscure other Faiths in order to make my own look good, I clearly don't trust Christ's capacity to hold his own in the 'art gallary' of the Faiths. In reality, I am more than ever convinced of the unique truthfulness and beauty of Christ admist the world religions. And I could think of no better way to express that confidence than to turn the lights on full and let you browse the entire collection yourself."
November 22, 2015
Not All Religions are the Same
20 August 2011
The one thing that I really liked about this book was that despite it being written by a Christian, it was incredibly objective (though it is difficult to be objective with Christianity when one is a Christian). A lot of books on religions that I have read, that have been written by Christians, tend to pretty much bag the other religions and then really talk up Christianity. Dickson doesn't do this, rather he tries an objective approach so that those who read this book and make up their own mind.
Now, I am a Christian, so when I read this book, it ended up messing with my head. All of the sudden, Hinduism and Buddism made perfect sense. In fact the Christian concept of hell, as I understood it, could be similar to the Buddhist concept of Nirvana. In fact, so could the Hindu afterlife as well. However, I now doubt that Hell and Nirvana can be considered the same (but I thought so back then). In fact, after reading this book, Buddhism suddenly became very appealing (which horrified my small group leader).
Being a Christian makes me very exclusive, however this is the theme of Dickson's book: all religions simply cannot be the same. They are simply not compatible (well, Buddhism could be, but pure Buddhism is more of an atheistic philosophy than a religion), and while we may preach toleration (and I try to be tolerant to other's beliefs) those of us who cite that all religions are the same really have not looked deep enough into these religions to see the differences.
I guess that is why Dickson doesn't attack any of the other religions, because his purpose is not to promote Christianity (he does that in other books), nor to prove the authenticity of Christianity (once again he does that in other books) but rather to challenge the idea that all religions are the same. I agree with Dickson, they are not (okay, in ancient times they may have been, but that is no longer the case). The other thing that I like about this book is that it teaches me about these other religions, though I would be more interested in knowing about a lot of the minor ones.
20 August 2011
The one thing that I really liked about this book was that despite it being written by a Christian, it was incredibly objective (though it is difficult to be objective with Christianity when one is a Christian). A lot of books on religions that I have read, that have been written by Christians, tend to pretty much bag the other religions and then really talk up Christianity. Dickson doesn't do this, rather he tries an objective approach so that those who read this book and make up their own mind.
Now, I am a Christian, so when I read this book, it ended up messing with my head. All of the sudden, Hinduism and Buddism made perfect sense. In fact the Christian concept of hell, as I understood it, could be similar to the Buddhist concept of Nirvana. In fact, so could the Hindu afterlife as well. However, I now doubt that Hell and Nirvana can be considered the same (but I thought so back then). In fact, after reading this book, Buddhism suddenly became very appealing (which horrified my small group leader).
Being a Christian makes me very exclusive, however this is the theme of Dickson's book: all religions simply cannot be the same. They are simply not compatible (well, Buddhism could be, but pure Buddhism is more of an atheistic philosophy than a religion), and while we may preach toleration (and I try to be tolerant to other's beliefs) those of us who cite that all religions are the same really have not looked deep enough into these religions to see the differences.
I guess that is why Dickson doesn't attack any of the other religions, because his purpose is not to promote Christianity (he does that in other books), nor to prove the authenticity of Christianity (once again he does that in other books) but rather to challenge the idea that all religions are the same. I agree with Dickson, they are not (okay, in ancient times they may have been, but that is no longer the case). The other thing that I like about this book is that it teaches me about these other religions, though I would be more interested in knowing about a lot of the minor ones.
November 26, 2023
A good brush-up for a Christian who has trouble remembering the facts & figures of the other main 4 religions. Definitely written by a Christian, but that worked for me lol.
March 6, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this overview of the five big major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). I feel, based on prior knowledge from classes and other books and research, that Dickson did a very good job at staying impartial in his presentation of world religions. He seems not to give a Christian understanding of each religion, but instead how a person of that religion would likely describe/explain their religion. Ultimately, all religions are quite clearly not the same, and a pluralistic mindset can be one of intellectual superiority that is fairly unfounded.
If you want to get a brief overview of some of the world's major religions, this is a great place to start!
If you want to get a brief overview of some of the world's major religions, this is a great place to start!
January 9, 2019
This is exactly what I set out to read: an unbiased overview of the 5 main world religions. Dickson does a great job of explaining Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the positive light that each respective religion would want to be represented. This is a great resource that I’ll be referring back to for years to come.
Favorite Quote:
On the bent towards pluralism-“Affirming both answers as true will not only avoid upsetting anyone, if will require no effort on your part whatsoever...our society’s keenness to affirm all religious viewpoints stems, in part, from an aversion from having to think too deeply about any one of them.”
Favorite Quote:
On the bent towards pluralism-“Affirming both answers as true will not only avoid upsetting anyone, if will require no effort on your part whatsoever...our society’s keenness to affirm all religious viewpoints stems, in part, from an aversion from having to think too deeply about any one of them.”
July 19, 2023
This is a really good read that helped me to understand the fundamentals of other religions. Dickson is open about his Christian convictions, but strives to be balanced and fair (successfully, in my assessment). It's also a good length, highly readable and held my attention well.
March 30, 2010
I enjoyed this book's simple structure and overview of the major religions. If one is looking to really study or learn in detail about any one religion, they should probably skip this book. It's a broad overview that gave me enough insight on each religion and the major differences between them to then decide whether I'm interested in pursuing further knowledge on a particular one (and I am.)
I thought the author did a good job of being objective in relation to each religion and stayed away from stereotypes as much as possible. His commentary at the end on how each of these religions is distinct and cannot be lumped together as "all the same" or "all right" was a valid point. Personally, I disagree with him in the sense that I think organized religions are just one of many ways to have a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. To me, whether you worship God, Allah, Buddha, Jesus, Mother Nature, Planet Earth or Milk Duds, it is all the same. A quest to seek a deeper truth and in that sense, if you succeed in doing so, then that is all that matters and in essence makes all religions right (or wrong, depending on your viewpoint,) it's just different ways of going about it that suit your needs in this lifetime.
I thought the author did a good job of being objective in relation to each religion and stayed away from stereotypes as much as possible. His commentary at the end on how each of these religions is distinct and cannot be lumped together as "all the same" or "all right" was a valid point. Personally, I disagree with him in the sense that I think organized religions are just one of many ways to have a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. To me, whether you worship God, Allah, Buddha, Jesus, Mother Nature, Planet Earth or Milk Duds, it is all the same. A quest to seek a deeper truth and in that sense, if you succeed in doing so, then that is all that matters and in essence makes all religions right (or wrong, depending on your viewpoint,) it's just different ways of going about it that suit your needs in this lifetime.
September 16, 2011
I really enjoyed the unbiased view of world religions. John proved that although a Christian himself, he is able to set his own beliefs aside and provide an untainted description of what the other religions are about, their beliefs, their practises, their ideas. And not from a stand point of Christianity, but from a neutral point. Giving each religion their own space.
He proved to me that to say: "all religions are really the same" is not a true statement and to say it is doing a disservice to all religions and proves one's own ignorance.
Johns idea that "true tolerance of religions" is not all about saying: "I'm right and so are you" as this would be stretching the truth. But tolerance is about saying:"I believe this, you believe that, and we can still all get along and accept that we believe different things."
A book every religious person ought to read for two reasons.
One to get rid of any remaining ignorance about what other religions actually believe in.
And two to foster true tolerance between religious groups.
He proved to me that to say: "all religions are really the same" is not a true statement and to say it is doing a disservice to all religions and proves one's own ignorance.
Johns idea that "true tolerance of religions" is not all about saying: "I'm right and so are you" as this would be stretching the truth. But tolerance is about saying:"I believe this, you believe that, and we can still all get along and accept that we believe different things."
A book every religious person ought to read for two reasons.
One to get rid of any remaining ignorance about what other religions actually believe in.
And two to foster true tolerance between religious groups.
March 21, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Good overview of 5 major religions in a seemingly non-opinionated fashion. I learned some good stuff, and my favourite part of the book was the last chapters where he does a bit of compare and contrast.
I do feel I could now have a semi-intelligent conversation with a Hindu or Muslim which I didn't have before.
Good overview of 5 major religions in a seemingly non-opinionated fashion. I learned some good stuff, and my favourite part of the book was the last chapters where he does a bit of compare and contrast.
I do feel I could now have a semi-intelligent conversation with a Hindu or Muslim which I didn't have before.
September 16, 2020
5 stars.
This was expertly done. Really, truly impressed by John Dickson and the grace with which he wrote this book. It might sound weird giving what is essentially a textbook 5 stars, but I think if you read this you would understand.
What could be a very dry subject just works. Super informative if it's the thing you're after.
This was expertly done. Really, truly impressed by John Dickson and the grace with which he wrote this book. It might sound weird giving what is essentially a textbook 5 stars, but I think if you read this you would understand.
What could be a very dry subject just works. Super informative if it's the thing you're after.
February 5, 2018
Excellent book. John’s objective presentation of five of the world’s major religions opens up a greater understanding and appreciation of them all. Additionally, his concluding chapters refuting pluralism and “all religions are the same” claims were fantastically written and argued.
October 15, 2023
A solid book to help someone understand the core ideas and histories of the worlds 5 major religion. Some very helpful thoughts to think through when thinking about peoples different views on religion. 4.5 ⭐️
March 8, 2017
Really helpful and fair to all the religions he talks about but makes sure to constantly admit and compensate for his own biases.
April 29, 2018
Excellent overview.
August 21, 2019
Easy to rs of the 5 major religionsead description
May 31, 2022
Read a while ago, helpful for understanding other world views, could say more about how to relate and evangelise to
June 29, 2015
This is a good first introduction to some of the major (by number of followers) world religions. It does not teach you everything (it is a slim volume), but it gives a more than basic overview of 5 major religions.
It has provided me with some information I did not know and peaked my interest to explore individual books on several of the world’s religions. I had extremely little knowledge of some of the religions before reading this book.
The author is up front about his views and own religion and I believe presents all the religions well.
This was my second read through the book. And I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
Both times I read it, I found the chapter on pluralism less well handled than the others. This viewpoint was presented as more of a strawman, rather than looking at it with the same respect given everywhere else in the book.
Recommended as an introduction.
It has provided me with some information I did not know and peaked my interest to explore individual books on several of the world’s religions. I had extremely little knowledge of some of the religions before reading this book.
The author is up front about his views and own religion and I believe presents all the religions well.
This was my second read through the book. And I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
Both times I read it, I found the chapter on pluralism less well handled than the others. This viewpoint was presented as more of a strawman, rather than looking at it with the same respect given everywhere else in the book.
Recommended as an introduction.
July 29, 2016
"...perhaps society's keenness to affirm all religious viewpoints stems, in part, from an aversion to having to think too deeply about any one of them. Put another way, the 'all roads lead to Rome' view of spirituality can be simply a way of justifying our own unwillingness to look down any of the roads." John Dickson
"An open mind is like an open mouth: its purpose is to bite on something nourishing. Otherwise, it becomes like a sewer, accepting everything, rejecting nothing." GK Chesterton
"An open mind is like an open mouth: its purpose is to bite on something nourishing. Otherwise, it becomes like a sewer, accepting everything, rejecting nothing." GK Chesterton
November 27, 2025
An unbiased way to know other people's beliefs
I've been meaning to know the core beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism etc and this book does not disappoint. It's fair, concise and to the point. And the author's style of writing is truly engaging.
I've been meaning to know the core beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism etc and this book does not disappoint. It's fair, concise and to the point. And the author's style of writing is truly engaging.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews