Resources to understand today’s five major belief systems. Here are books that introduce the people and ideas principally involved in five respective worldviews.
1. Pantheism
Here the danger is to subsume all Eastern religions under one concept. This is a serious mistake. Buddhism, for example, is nontheistic, while Hinduism can incorporate atheism, polytheism, theism, and much else.
“A Reasoned Look at Asian Religions” by David Johnson (Bethany, 1985). Johnson’s insights and analysis go beyond a mere catalogue of beliefs. I consider this a must-read in a pastor’s library.
“Christ in the Ancient Vedas by Joseph Padinjarekara” (Toronto: Welch Publishing, 1991). Some fine clues for finding common ground with Hindus.
“Apologetics in the New Age” by David K. Clark and Norman L. Geisler (Baker, 1990).
2. Islam
This is the most difficult worldview counter to Christianity because it is galvanized with a geopolitical theory and is absolutist in doctrine.
There is ample material that deals with the doctrinal and cultural differences a Christian encounters. I see a greater need to come to this study from a different slant. There are actually some very serious flaws, as I see them, in the starting points of Islam, which if not settled, make meaningful dialogue with a Muslim wrong-headed from the start.
“Islam and Christianity: The Points of Tension” by Ravi Zacharias (call 1-800-448-6766). In this lecture, I highlighted the three encumbering flaws in Islam.
“The Christian Witness to the Muslim and Muhammad and the Religion of Islam” by John Gilchrist (Republic of South Africa: Roodepoort Mission Press, 1988; contact: Jesus to the Muslims, P.O. Box 1804, Benoni, R.S.A.). An outstanding two-volume set.
3. Scientific
“Not a Chance” by R.C. Sproul (Baker, 1994). An excellent contrast between the cosmologies of chance and agency.
4. Secular/Philosophical
“God and the Philosophers” by Thomas V. Morris, ed. (Oxford, 1994).
“What Is Human?” by T.M. Kitwood (InterVarsity, 1970). An excellent work in understanding popular existentialism and its roots.
“The Culture of Interpretation: Christian Faith and the Postmodern World” by Roger Lundin (Eerdmans, 1993). The author probes the historical background of postmodernism’s nihilistic assumptions and the theological and ethical implications of these ideas.
“Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture” by Gene Edward Veith (Crossway, 1994). Veith demonstrates how the ideas of postmodernism–that truth and meaning are unknowable–have influenced art, society, and religion.
“The Mars Hill Tape Series” by Kenneth Myers (call 1-804-598-7557). A bimonthly audio magazine of contemporary culture and Christian conviction by a former commentator with National Public Radio.
5. Liberal Theologies
Here the terrain is wide-ranging, from the mild but heterodox to the radical, represented by the likes of Bishop Spong.
“Spectrum of Protestant Beliefs” by Robert Campbell (Bruce Publishing, 1968). Although dated, a superb treatment.
“Who Was Jesus?” by N.T. Wright (Eerdmans, 1993). Wright responds to contrary views. A treasured volume.
“Intellectuals Don’t Need God: And Other Modern Myths” by Alister McGrath (Zondervan, 1992). Reading this will enrich and balance the use of sound argument.
In addition to the above are two valuable reference books on worldviews: “The Universe Next Door” by James Sire (InterVarsity, 1976) and “Is Man the Measure?” by Norman Geisler (Baker, 1983).
Copyright (c) 1995 Christianity Today, Inc./LEADERSHIP Journal
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Copyright © 1995 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
