Rating: 
Summary: Sire's best book...still unipressed
Review: I have read a few of Sire's books and skimmed most of them and I can say that this is the best one that I've seen. Unfourtunatly that's not saying much. The reader will get a taste of several world views in a "set 'em up, knock 'em down format." As a christian myself I am a little conserned that other Christians, after reading this book, will feel as if they more or less know what the other world views are 'all about'. This assumtion should not be made. Those who hold to the views which Sire deals with will undoubtably feel as if they were not represented very strongly. The main objection that I have to this book is that Sire contrasts the Christian theism that domanted the western world up to the 17th century with the world views that have arisen since then. This guy is stuck in the past. In order to follow Sire one must not conceed anything to the opposition (and the opposition is everyone since the 17th c.!) He gives lip service to the great christian thinkers who have found truth in existentialism or postmodernism but then glibly dispatches of them in two or three pages. This book serves a purpose but leaves much to be desired.
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful, but just a surface treatment
Review: I highly recommend this book to any Christian who is looking for a high-level comparison between the major worldviews. The author admit that it is a treatment of the topic from a Christian point-of-view, but then, any treatment of the topic will be from *some* worldview, so I can't fault him for being honest, at least. There were some points at which I felt like issues were flown over rather quickly, but since it's just meant to be an introduction (and there are plenty of references in the back for further study), I think Sire achieves his purpose.
Rating: 
Summary: How can "a reader from Minnesota" be so simplistic?
Review: I read the book several months ago and was impressed by Sire's treatment of such complex issues. What bothers me very much is how self-styled "critics" can expect to be taken seriously when they make such 3rd grade comments as "There is no compelling argument coming from this book." The book is an introduction to worldviews; it shouldn't even be expected to have an "argument."
Rating:
Summary: Simply the Best!!!
Review: I suppose if I wrote 5 negative reviews like the reviewer from Houston, this book would sink from where it should be - 5 stars to 3 and a half stars, due to one agitated reader who is really bothered by the Truth. It may be that this book has done something to him which he dislikes - it has rocked his boat and he's upset. Truth does upset, doesn't it, pal?A fine addition to a "thinking" person's library, even if you're not a Christian. Highly recommended!!! (Maybe I should write four more reviews to bring this book up where it belongs - I'm just thinking about it now.)
Rating: 
Summary: Open theism, not Christian theism
Review: I was very intrigued by this book when reading a review on a very trustworthy Christian bookstore website (Discerning Reader). I must say that while the presentations of most of the worldviews discussed are fairly good to very good overviews, the Christian theism that Sire expresses is the God-dishonoring open theism that has nearly stripped American Christianity of its power and meaning. He repeatedly says that God intervenes in history, but that nothing is determined. That is horribly wrong on so many levels that I can't even bring myself to call what is represented as Christian theism as even being truly Christian. We are shown throughout Scripture that things from the way and people saved are pre-determined, the death/burial/resurrection was pre-determined etc. and yet Sire not only doesn't touch on these issues, he universally dismisses the entire possibility of them. I would strongly recommend that any Christian wanting to understand the basis for their faith to steer clear of this unfathomably heretical work.
Rating:
Summary: Open theism, not Christian theism
Review: I was very intrigued by this book when reading a review on a very trustworthy Christian bookstore website (Discerning Reader). I must say that while the presentations of most of the worldviews discussed are fairly good to very good overviews, the Christian theism that Sire expresses is the God-dishonoring open theism that has nearly stripped American Christianity of its power and meaning. He repeatedly says that God intervenes in history, but that nothing is determined. That is horribly wrong on so many levels that I can't even bring myself to call what is represented as Christian theism as even being truly Christian. We are shown throughout Scripture that things from the way and people saved are pre-determined, the death/burial/resurrection was pre-determined etc. and yet Sire not only doesn't touch on these issues, he universally dismisses the entire possibility of them. I would strongly recommend that any Christian wanting to understand the basis for their faith to steer clear of this unfathomably heretical work.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Introduction to an Important Topic.
Review: In "The Universe Next Door", James Sire articulates and discusses all of the major worldviews held by persons today. Since worldviews are important to every individual, this book is relevant and useful for almost everybody. Each worldview is explained quickly and concisely, which means that this book is by no means a comprehensive look at the issue. However, this is a strength rather than a weakness- the short chapters are easy to grasp and Sire relays complicated ideas in an easy-to-understand manner. Sire definitely approaches the issue from a Christian perspective. Some may see this as a major flaw, but I think it is appropriate for Sire to openly announce his biases rather than try to hide them. In any case, I feel Sire is correct in that theism is the only consistent and complete worldview. His discussion of Christian theism is absolutely great. Sire does point out that there are many "inner" issues or problems within Christianity- but still contends that Christianity provides the outer framework of a consistent worldview. "The Universe Next Door" is a recommended read for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Introduction to an Important Topic.
Review: In "The Universe Next Door", James Sire articulates and discusses all of the major worldviews held by persons today. Since worldviews are important to every individual, this book is relevant and useful for almost everybody. Each worldview is explained quickly and concisely, which means that this book is by no means a comprehensive look at the issue. However, this is a strength rather than a weakness- the short chapters are easy to grasp and Sire relays complicated ideas in an easy-to-understand manner. Sire definitely approaches the issue from a Christian perspective. Some may see this as a major flaw, but I think it is appropriate for Sire to openly announce his biases rather than try to hide them. In any case, I feel Sire is correct in that theism is the only consistent and complete worldview. His discussion of Christian theism is absolutely great. Sire does point out that there are many "inner" issues or problems within Christianity- but still contends that Christianity provides the outer framework of a consistent worldview. "The Universe Next Door" is a recommended read for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: eludicating,thought provoking and relevant
Review: In this journey through the major world views held by the human race Sire provides an excellent analysis of various thought systems touching on theism, deism, atheism, and pantheism. Those who hold the Christian theistic world- view will be strengthened in their faith while those who hold alternative world-views will be challenged to re-examine their own conceptual system.
Rating:
Summary: Not quite impartial
Review: Sire seems to be a pretty bright guy, but his review of the various "worldviews" is quite obviously an attempt to convince you that "theism" (his term for a traditional Christian philosophy) is the only reasonable philosophy to practice. While his critiques of other philosophies are reasonably well-done and truthful, rather than explaining the breadth of a particular philosophy, his goal appears to be only to show its shortcomings. Then he tells you why "theism" is best. Over and over again. And, while he can't wait to tell you the various shortcomings of various philosophies, he treats "theism" as if has no contradictions and is the only possible philosophy that could be accepted by a rational person. If you're looking to be convinced that the basic Christian view of the cosmos is superior to every other view, this is the book for you. If you're looking for an impartial summary of various world philosophies (which is how the book appeared to advertise itself), look elsewhere. Note that this book is published by a division of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, something I didn't notice until after I had already bought it.
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