Rating: 
Summary: Conflates several categories
Review: This is a book that mixes categories and is confused account of Jesus. The author should have looked more clearly at the historicity of Jesus to develop his thesis. A book that considers this issue is the recent "The Jesus Mysteries".
Rating: 
Summary: Zacharias Is Difficult to Argue With
Review: Ravi Zacharias is probably the most concise and succinct Christian apologist of our day, and this book is classic Zacharias!He gives us a clear defense of the Christian message as he tackles some difficult areas of Christian apologetics, such as the problem of suffering in the face of a loving God. His viewpoint is one of a man who is well versed in the ever popular eastern philosophy of his childhood. A wonderful, wonderful book! Highly recommended!!!
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Summary: I thought that the book was excellent
Review: I write this mainly in response to the first review of this book. The person's first critique of the book was that Ravi had treated Buddha as a god, whereas he was not nor did he claim to be. Two quotes from the book I think will suffice to show how this misrepresents the ideas expressed in the book, and begs the question, has this person read this book, and if so, how carefully did they read it? On page 5, Ravi refers to Buddhism as a "non theistic, if not atheistic religion." Again on page 90 in reference to Buddha's stance on allowing women as disciples, Ravi says, "Whatever one may make of all this, we must be clear that in a non-theistic system, which Buddhism is...." Implicit in both of these statements is the realization that Buddha did not claim divine status, rendering the argument made by the first reviewer inaccurate. I found the book to be compelling, and the information presented, clearly demonstrated the uniqueness of the message of Christ when contrasted against other prevailing worldviews. In reference to the comment about Ravi's hypocrisy, I would merely point out the lack of differentiation between an argument and a person. If indeed one man fails to live up to the claims of Christ, which the bible clearly states is impossible for man without divine intervention, the message itself is not compromised. Especially when the inability of man to do so is implicit in the message. The message of Christ stands on its own even in light of the attacks of its critics from all sides, and in light of the failure of His followers. (It should be noted that I am not at all implying that Ravi is a failure.) First, the first reviewer is basing his/her claim of Dr. Zacharias' hypocrisy on a request in a review that he may never see, responding to a person who included no address to which to mail a check. Second, The argument is based on a person's obedience to a command; not the validity of the one who gave the command, therefore, the criticism fails to disprove the christian message. Third, the argument seems to be a verbal smokescreen composed of second-hand doubt to hide behind in order to justify the refusal to come to terms with the personal implications of the christian message being true. I mean this in no way to offend the reviewer. The book, which I think was excellent, discussed how Jesus' claims are unique, and would not have been made by the founders of any other religion. My personal favorite chapter was entitled "a taste for the soul." In this chapter, Ravi points out how Jesus constantly pointed people to a need that was deeper than their physical hunger, to a spiritual hunger that everyone has. He goes on to say that when Jesus says he is the bread of life he is establishing himself as the source of satisfaction, and is actually positing himself as his message. In other words Jesus doesn't point us to satisfaction; he is our satisfaction. As Ravi points out, other founders of religions offer ways to peace or satisfaction, etc., whereas Jesus says," I am the way." I have consistently found Ravi's writings to be stimulating reading, engaging both the heart and the mind. I would heartily recommend this book to both Christians who are looking for help in learning to defend their faith, and to nonchristians who may be trying to see if the Christian worldview is indeed an intellectually coherent one. As Ravi points out doubt is often a product of ones background every bit as much as faith often is. So the automatic dismissal of anything supernatural often carries with it as many prejudices and presuppositions as faith is accused of carrying. So to anyone who will come and read objectively, I believe you will find a compelling case that the claims of Christ are intellectually tenable, and healing to the soul.
Rating:
Summary: In-person observation
Review: I write this simply as a correction to the first person's review. Although Buda is not a God, he represents a world belief, which is probably why his picture appears on the cover of this book. I had the pleasure of hearing Ravi's sermon about this very subject, and I have this to say. He is one of the most intelligent people I have ever heard speak. Literal years of his life have been devoted to the defense of the Christian faith. I highly recommend this book solely on it's author!
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Summary: Here is what this book is about...
Review: The following parapraphs discuss what this book covers. This content is taken from the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries home page. There is also a "youth version" of this book for younger readers. (I have not finished this book yet.) "The reality is that if religion is to be treated with intellectual respect, then it must stand the test of truth, regardless of the mood of the day. This book is a defense of the uniqueness of the Christian message." Thus begins Ravi's most important work to date in which he contrasts the truth of Jesus Christ with the teachings of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In his latest book, Jesus Among Other Gods, Ravi examines the truly unique message of Jesus in distinction to other major religions of the world. Is Jesus Christ really that different from other religious teachers? Aren't all the major religions basically the same? Ravi looks at six vital questions that Jesus answered in a way that no other claimant to divine or prophetic status would have answered. Some may resist Jesus' answers, but, as Ravi states, "antagonists will not be able to challenge his uniqueness."
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Summary: in defense of Ravi
Review: ....Ravi aims to answer the question: aren't allreligions basically the same? Anyone, Christian or not, highly moral or immoral, may write a book on a question of comparative religion. I am not aware of a requirement of Christianity for intellectual rigor (although it is a flattering idea for Christian intellectuals!) However, it is true that preaching of Christianity should be reduplicated in one's lifestyle, as Soren Kierkegaard so often pointed out. However, Kierkegaard also was financially secure. Kierkegaard recongized this and humbly submitted that he had learned to give some things up (e.g. the love of his life, his dignity) and hoped God would teach him to sacrifice more. I assume it's only the same with Ravi. Jesus does in fact call his followers to live in poverty and to be spit upon and not many in fact do this. However, Ravi puts himself ina very public forum, very boldly, and has certainly been subject to plenty of ridicule and derision for his views, so let it not be said he has made no sacrifices.... ....I think if you asked him, he would admit that he could improve and that maybe there are more things he could give up. But it seems to me that he's essentially devoted his entire life to spreading the word he believes in, in a unique way.... Jesus among other Gods is guaranteed to be a thought provoking and interesting book, even if you disagree with it.... Read it, think, decide for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: If you have a real desire to learn, you will like the book.
Review: Just a word about the first "review", and then on to a review designed to aid in previewing the book. Concerning the views expressed by the Camas, WA "reviewer"...it appears as if perhaps the "reviewer" was more interested in the $50 gift certificate offered to first reviewers of books, than in searching out truth. Whether the "reviewer" actually read the book can certainly be questioned. The concern with Mr. Zacharias' understanding of Buddhism might have been alleviated if the reader had noticed on pg. 90 the following, "Whatever one may make of all of this, we must be clear that in a non-theistic system, which Buddhism is, ethics become central and rules are added ad infinitum...." Also the challenge that the "reviewer" presented concerning a text in Luke, would be better if changed to a real question as to what the evidently troubling text in Luke actually means. I expect if that had been the real concern of the reviewer, such an answer could be obtained fairly easily. However I wonder if Mr. Zacharias' comment found on page 145 of the book might be more realistic as to what was really going on with the "reviewer". "The arguments begin to sound hollow when you recognize by the very wording that they are the expressions of another's voice or borrowed from some notable thinker. This is not to suggest the validity or the invalidity of the question or of the argument. This is only to assert that, many times, so-called reasons for rejecting the truth are so blended with individual prejudice that it is hard to differentiate between the question and the wanton desire of the questioner." May the "reviewer" look deeply at his or her efforts and see if slander, bearing false witness, and very possibly stealing by taking a reward for a review that was not a review after all, are things their own value system supports. Now on to reviewing the book. I have just finished the book, and find that there were many things there that are deep enough that I will need to re-read it. Someone very familiar with philosophy many not find this to be so, none-the-less the book is very rich indeed. Mr. Zacharias attempts to present a few of the things which make up the absolute claims of Christianity by presenting them from the Christian perspective, and then comparing them with the efforts of Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism to answer the same issues. He begins with his own story, helping us to know from where he own world-view has come. He then tackles such issues as who Jesus claimed to be as seen in his answer to the question of where he lived, the issues of the role of faith and reason in one's beliefs, the need of man for the transcendent and worship, the problem of pain and evil, and the issues of naturalism versus belief in a creator God. The book is only about 190 pages, so one can see that much is covered in a short time, though some arguments have been given much space in order to develop them well. If you have questions about how the major world religions compare on major issues with Christianity, this is a good place to begin. Mr. Zacharias is an expert in philosophy, with years of experience speaking in the toughest of crouds. He is kind and fair to those who do not share his views. Be prepared for some parts of the writing which are harder to understand, and come armed with a desire to learn, and you will probably enjoy the book. I certainly have, and look forward to the second reading, armed with a highlighter this time.
Rating:
Summary: What you'd expect...
Review: Ol' Ravi's got a picture of the Buddha on the over...who as anyone with even a passing familarity with Buddhism knows, wasn't a god. The book goes downhill from there. Regarding the absolute claims of the Christian message, I think that Delos McKeown's critique of this is still unchallenged, and I shall present it here to Mr. Zacharias. According to Luke 6:30 Jesus is reported to have said, "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again." Now I hereby ask Mr. Zacharais to send to me, all the proceeds from this book. Until Mr. Zacahrias puts up, we can assume he's really just a hypocrite.
Rating:
Summary: Here is what this book is about...
Review: The following parapraphs discuss what this book covers. This content is taken from the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries home page. There is also a "youth version" of this book for younger readers. (I have not finished this book yet.) "The reality is that if religion is to be treated with intellectual respect, then it must stand the test of truth, regardless of the mood of the day. This book is a defense of the uniqueness of the Christian message." Thus begins Ravi's most important work to date in which he contrasts the truth of Jesus Christ with the teachings of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In his latest book, Jesus Among Other Gods, Ravi examines the truly unique message of Jesus in distinction to other major religions of the world. Is Jesus Christ really that different from other religious teachers? Aren't all the major religions basically the same? Ravi looks at six vital questions that Jesus answered in a way that no other claimant to divine or prophetic status would have answered. Some may resist Jesus' answers, but, as Ravi states, "antagonists will not be able to challenge his uniqueness."
Rating: 
Summary: Lacks Polish...
Review: The title of the book does provide some context for Ravi Zacharias' work. I found however there was not as much comparing and contrasting with other religious world views as expected. I suppose there are more comprehensive volumes of this nature. What I did discover was a text walking along with the author in his own wrestling with claims of Jesus, compared to the insufficient claims of other world views.
This book has some truly enlightening moments (most centered around quotes and relating of others stories). I found myself wanting to jot down, underline and remember certain points in many places. Mr. Zacharias has a remarkable ability to draw on the experiences and writings of others to illustrate his thoughts and arguments for Christianity. One wishes they had the re tension and ability that he maintains in choosing just the right tact to cause arguments to crumble. I found my self encouraged to press further in my study and understanding of Christianity.
I did find some difficulty at times in reading as I seemed to have to push through the valleys to reach the author's next mountaintop of enlightenment. Certainly one must at times perhaps endure while the background and ground work is laid for the next gripping point. It is in this point that I felt the work lacked an element of polish as I found myself easily distracted in these valleys. Perhaps the author's own admission in the introduction lends some insight to this, 'The difficulty has really not been in knowing what to say, but in knowing what not to say.' Though not 200 pages in length, it did seem at times lengthy. Maybe it is I the reader who is to used to consuming what I read far too easily!
As I final note I have found Ravi Zacharias a gifted and challenging speaker. This is perhaps his greater strength. The book is definitely worth a read, I give it 3 out of 5 stars as it would not be at the top of my 'must read' list and I believe the work could still use further polish.
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