Global Gods: Exploring the Role of Religions in Modern Societies
Though the title here suggests that this is a freshman college textbook on comparative religions, it is actually an overt Christian investigation of the strengths and weaknesses of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Maxism, and, to a smaller extent, Hinduism and the African religions. The author's approach is nonsystematic, and his personal observations and experiences are interwoven throughout the text, making it seem as if the book was compiled from lectures. His treatment of the tenets of each faith is factual and by and large fair, though not especially revealing or insightful. Read as a Christian's ecumenical introduction to other faiths, the book is adequate for the job but will disappoint all but the most general readers.Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., HonoluluCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.