This book is an important book. We live under the philosophy of postmodernism where truth, if there is actually anything called truth, is whatever we want it be or not to be. We are immersed in a North American culture that caters to pluralism like no other nation. The United States, as the wealthiest and most religious nation on earth, has more organized religions than any other civilized nation.

Many polls indicate that most Americans admit to being religious, stating that religion and spirituality are important factors in their lives. Of course, that generally has nothing to do with Christianity but it has brought to light an unusual situation. Never have there been more religious choices to shop around or mix and match from a variety of religions.

But studies and surveys reveal that while this is the case, very few Christians have taken the time to study other major religions. I continue to be alarmed at the many people who say that all religions worship the same god, though by different names. Recently I heard a well-known person state that Christians, Jews, and Muslims all worship the same god. Eckman states that three-fourths of Americans believe that there is some truth in all the religions.

Living in a postmodern world is not a statement about a specific period in time, but rather it is a reference to a worldview. With today’s misunderstanding of tolerance or the redefining of it, pluralistic ideology has gained tremendous momentum.

James Eckman has written an important book about worldviews, especially those of the different major religions. Fifty years ago it may have been enough for Christians to only focus on the Christian faith. Today, Christians must learn something about other religions as well, if they are going to survive and teach their children to live in this postmodern, pluralistic and predominantly naturalistic culture.

Eckman writes, “People often use terms with positive connotations such as diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism to reinforce their claim that there is no truth and that no one can claim truth. They consider everyone’s opinion equally valid and worthy.” This makes it extremely difficult for Christians, who believe there is only one God who exists in three persons and is the only way of salvation and hope. A growing number of people maintain that no one religion is correct. This means that a kingdom disciple must not only learn what he or she believes but they must also learn what others from different faiths believe. This will help them understand different religions and know better how to dialogue and witness non-Christians.

While I would never minimize Bible study, I would say that along with studying the Bible as our basis of truth, we must also have a general working knowledge of other religions. Parents and church leaders must build this into their curriculum. We must be equipped and equip our covenant children to know the truth, as well as the difference.

Eckman includes a good summary on postmodernism and covers eleven different religions, specifically focusing on their worldviews. After having dealt with the worldviews of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, New Age, and others, his final chapter cites Christianity as the only religion consistent in its worldview. One chapter deals with the popular cults and another tackles Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. In each religion or variations of Christianity Eckman confronts the theology and ethics those religions.

The book is easy to read and contains helpful discussion questions at the end of each chapter. The bibliography is also helpful as a summary of other good books for further pursuit. Teenagers, adults, or individuals could use this book. I urge every youth worker, parent, and pastor to find a way to incorporate such a study in church, school, and home. I do not believe this is optional for today’s Christian whose biblical faith is under intentional attack from all fronts.

Back to Equip Page