Thursday, March 30, 2017

Christian Nonfiction Review: God Among Sages by Kenneth Richard Samples

"God Among Sages" gives a Christian overview of Jesus, Buddha, Confucius and Muhammed, with some interesting interludes on the Trinity, church history, and religious pluralism.

Personally, I would have preferred author Kenneth Richard Samples start with an overview of the Bible's trustworthy and perfect nature, as much of what Samples writes depends on a belief in the Bible as the Word of God, or at the very least a reliable historical document. Much of what Samples does write on the subject can be found in more extensive, easy-to-read books out there. I've read several of them myself, and therefore did not find much of anything new in "God Among Sages."

I did, however, take the time to write down some of the charts Samples provided on parallels between Yahweh and Jesus and on Jesus' self-attributed divinity and humanity. I also found Samples' thoughts on pluralism informative, especially his refutation of the Elephant Analogy.

As for the author's comparisons of Christianity to the major world religions, Samples did have some great points on how to converse with those belonging to these religions. And his look at the founders or major leaders of the faiths serve as a good beginning point for any Christian looking to defend his or her faith. I am surprised that Samples chose not to include some of the religions derivative of Christianity and more common in the United States such as Latter Day Saints and Jehovah Witnesses. But maybe he's saving that for another book.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.