Hope for the World: A Christian Looks at World Religions

Rating:
Summary: Christian Emphasizes Respect For Other Religions
Review: As a Christian, Carl Mays writes, "Believing that Christ died as a sacrifice for everyone brings hope in any situation." At the same time, in referring to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism, he also writes, "...when people live by the principles that are agreed upon by the major religions of the world, our global community will be changed in a very positive way." After describing the differences in the world's six major religions, he spotlights common ground within the religions' day-by-day conduct of life principles. Mays advocates builidng on this ground rather than attacking people of different religions. He then compares the similarities of the religions' beliefs in over 30 categories.

For example, one category is "Love Others." Words from the six religons include: CHRISTIANITY - "Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions." ISLAM - "No one of you is a true believer until you love for your brother and sister what you love for yourself." JUDAISM - Don't take revenge on anyone. Don't bear a grudge. Love your neighbor as yourself." HINDUISM - Humans are like pillow cases. The color of one may be red, that of another blue, that of a third black, but all contain the same cotton." BUDDHISM - To the person in whom love dwells, the whole world is but one family." CONFUCIANISM - "Love everyone. Know everyone."

Mays does a commendable job in presenting synopses of the religions. These synopses have helped me to better understand how the different faiths began and what people of the different faiths believe. Mays also helps me to better understand the differences and commonalities of the religons.

Rating:
Summary: Concise Insight
Review: HOPE FOR THE WORLD - A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT WORLD RELIGIONS wades through volumes of origins, descriptions and "whys" to present synopses of the world's six major religions. After telling of the differences and similarities of the religions, the major portion of this small book is spent very creatively displaying the parallel "conduct of life" principles the religions have in common. Readers who are not threatened by other religions will appreciate how Mays has scoured scriptures and other materials of the religions and categorized such principles as Love Others, Accept Personal Responsibility, Do Worthy Deeds, Seek Wisdom and Cherish Friends.

HOPE FOR THE WORLD is a small volume, but it is readily obvious that Mays spent much research and time writing the book and making it understandable to the average reader. I commend him for this project and recommend that everyone take advantage of what he has turned out.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing Insight
Review: Like the author, Carl Mays, I am a Christian. It is refreshing to read a Christian's description of other religions, without the religions being belittled or painted to be all evil. Mays points out that even though the various religions may have different beliefs regarding how to spend eternity with God, they also have many common "conduct of life" principles for the here and now.

The book begins with Francis of Assisi's "Prayer For Our Global Community" and, after presenting brief synopses of the major religions, shows parallel principles such as Put Faith Into Action, Love Others, Work For Peace, Be Considerate of Others, Do Worthy Deeds, Honor Your Parents, Have Child-Like Faith, Find Strength Within and Pray.

As a high school teacher, I have already recommended the book to my students. And, I am going to use it with my classes.