Comparative Religions

Abusive Churches Pat Zukeran: What characterizes abusive churches in their cultic method of ministry. Although outwardly orthodox in their theology, these churches use abusive and mind control methods to get their followers to submit to the organization. Eight characteristics of abusive churches are covered in this essay.
Being in Christ Carl Mickens: The story of someone coming out of a Jehovah's Witness background.
The Boston Church Russ Wise: The Boston Church movement has all the marks of a dangerous, controlling cult. It departed from its roots to become legalistic and abusive.
Buddhism Pat Zukeran: This essay gives a brief overview of the basic beliefs of Buddhism. It covers the doctrine of salvation, eternal state, the founder, and a comparative study to Christianity.
China's Christian History First Things, August/September 1997: The history of the West's efforts to bring Christianity to the Chinese is a rather tumultuous one. The issue of Western missionary work in China remains a vexing question in our time.
Christ in a New Age Russ Wise: This essay examines some of the alarming developments in New Age thought from a biblical perspective.
The Christian Attitude Toward Non-Christian Religions Rick Rood: This article discusses the fact of religious pluralism in our age, the origin of non-Christian religions, and the Christian?s attitude toward other religions.
Comparing Mormon and Biblical Doctrines about Salvation: Main document Comparing Mormon and Biblical doctrines about salvation.
Confucius: Confucius was the greatest eastern philosopher of all time. His beliefs are considered from a Christian perspective, analyzing what Confucianism has in common with Christianity and how it differs.
Connecting With the Divine Marilyn Adamson: An article that discusses Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and New Age; their main characteristics and perspectives on God, humanity and salvation.
Contrition in the Age of Spin Control First Things, November 1997: If the Catholic Church admits past errors over particular incidents, does it in effect undermine its own authority? Should not the Pope publicly confess the Church's historical errors of judgement and action?
A Course in Miracles Russ Wise: A Course in Miracles sounds like it?s Christian, but it isn?t. Instead, it borrrows its vocabulary from Christian doctrine while introducing decidedly occult practices into a curriculum that is being taught in many churches: a true "doctrine of demons," which is how it was dictated in the first place.
Cults Leadership University Special Focus: A renewed interest in cults has swept the country as a result of the events involving Heaven's Gate. What is a cult, and how is it different from a religious group? What is it that makes people stay in cult groups and sometimes be willing even to die for their group? To help you become more familiar with cult religions, we've highlighted the following articles from our resource-base.
The Death of Satan First Things, May 1996: Secularists look neither to God nor any other transcendent moral standard as a unifying force for society. But without any such force, how might moral chaos be avoided? This issue is addressed in a book entitled "The Death of Satan: How Americans Have
Death of a Guru Rabi Maharaj: The story of someone coming out of a Hindu background.
Defeating Darwinism Rick Wade: Phillip Johnson?s important book, Defeating Darwinism, explains how evolution gained dominance as a theory of origins, and exposes its UNscientific foundations.
Dimensions of the Sacred First Things, March 1997: Reviewer Paul J. Griffiths considers the book "Dimensions of the Sacred: An Anatomy of the World's Beliefs" by Ninian Smart. This is perhaps one of the better recent studies in world religions.
Do All Paths Lead to the Same Destination? Keith E. Johnson: Is it possible that Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, etc. represent differing, yet valid, paths to the same destination? This article examines arguments for and against the claim that all paths lead to the same destination.
Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping (False) Prophet Lou Whitworth: An examination of "The Sleeping Prophet," Edgar Cayce, exposing him as a false prophet who received his information from demonic sources.
The Election of Israel First Things, April 1996: "The Election of Israel: The Idea of the Chosen People" is authored by David Novak and reviewed by John T. Pawlikowski. This book addresses the issue of Jewish religious identity in the midst of modernity's challenges. The author, as in his previous wo
Embraced by the Light of Deception Russ Wise: Betty Eadie's best-selling book Embraced by the Light is a combination of biblical images and spiritual deception.
The Fragmented Faith of American Jews First Things, February 1997: The journal "Commentary" recently sponsored a sympoium entitled "What Do American Jews Believe?" The participants were Jews of the more conservative temperament.
Freemasonry and the Christian Church Russ Wise: Many staunch Christians are Masons, and see no conflict between the two organizations. This essay takes a look at the roots and beliefs of Freemansonry from a Biblical perspective, offering historical evidence of the occultic influence in high-level Masonry.
From Christian Science to Christ Harriet Zimmerman: The story of someone coming out of a Christian Science background.
Genesis Unbound Rich Milne: Dr. John Sailhammer argues in his book Genesis Unbound that after Genesis 1:1, the rest of the chapter describes God's creation of the promised land for His chosen people. The earth may be young or old, but in six literal days God created a home for Israel.
God and Gender in Judaism First Things, June/July 1996: The author describes how the Jewish Reform movement prepared to issue its 1996 High Holy Day prayerbook complete with "gender-sensitive" language. Such language was desirable to reflect the "religious equality of women." This implementation even require
Goddess Worship Russ Wise: No abstract available for this article
The Goddess and the Church: Feminism has invaded the realm of theology, elevating the concept of The Goddess, or Great Mother, as a pantheistic and occultic paradigm for religion acceptable to feminists, who find traditional religions unacceptable because of their "male Gods."
Heresy in the Hood: Teen Witchcraft in America Linda P. Harvey: Is witchcraft a valid way to raise girls' self-esteem? Is it a curious new hobby? These are some of the ways witchcraft is now presented to teens in books, TV, music -- even in Christian churches. Is it positive -- or are uninformed teens blindly jumping into the fire?
Hinduism: A Christian Perspective Rick Rood: The history and basic beliefs and practices of Hinduism are discussed as well as a Christian evaluation of Hinduism.
How I Was Rescued from the Watchtower Cyndy Fitzgerald: The story of someone coming out of a Jehovah's Witness background.
How Major Groups View Redemption World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of redemption as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
How Major Groups View Retribution World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of retribution as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
How Major Groups View Salvation World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of salvation as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
How Major Groups View Sin World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of sin as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
How Major Groups View the Holy Spirit World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of God as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
How Major Groups View the Holy Spirit World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Christ as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
How Major Groups View the Holy Spirit World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of the Holy Spirit as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
How Major World Religions View God World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores God as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Primitive Religion.
How Major World Religions View Man and the Universe World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Man and the Universe as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Primitive Religion.
How Major World Religions View Morality World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Morality as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Primitive Religion.
How Major World Religions View Salvation and the Afterlife World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Salvation and the Afterlife as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Primitive Religion.
How Major World Religions View Worship World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Worship as viewed by: Biblical Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Primitive Religion.
How to Pick Your Own God Comparative Religions: An article that looks at the optimal attributes for a God and which religion has a God that we would naturally find attractive.
How to Think About Secularism First Things, June/July 1996: What effects does the secularization of society have on Christians? Does it not tend to make them doubt the validity of their faith? The author gives an overview of the intellectual history of secularism and summarizes the challenges that it presents to
The "I AM" Sayings Prove Jesus to be Divine Adel Mohammed El Naggar: Examines the "I AM" sayings of Jesus, from a historical, literary, lexical, syntactical, structural and theological approach. Concludes that the "I AM" sayings prove the deity of Jesus the Christ. When Jesus uttered these solemn words, He sought to convey the astounding fact of his divine nature--as did the Apostle John when he recorded these life-giving words.
I Left the Watchtower for the Real Jesus Robert L. Cosper: The story of someone coming out of a Jehovah's Witness background.
Important Views of Biblical Christianity World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Biblical Christianity in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of Biblical Christianity World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Biblical Christianity in six areas: Introduction, God, Man/Universe, Salvation/Afterlife, Morals, Worship.
Important Views of Buddhism World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Buddhism in six areas: Introduction, God, Man/Universe, Salvation/Afterlife, Morals, Worship.
Important Views of Christian Science World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Christian Science in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of Eastern Mysticism World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Eastern Mysticism in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of Hinduism World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Hinduism in six areas: Introduction, God, Man/Universe, Salvation/Afterlife, Morals, Worship.
Important Views of Islam World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Islam in six areas: Introduction, God, Man/Universe, Salvation/Afterlife, Morals, Worship.
Important Views of Jehovah's Witnesses World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Jehovah's Witnesses in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of Judaism World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Judaism in six areas: Introduction, God, Man/Universe, Salvation/Afterlife, Morals, Worship.
Important Views of Mormonism World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Mormonism in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of Primitive Religions World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores Primitive Religions in six areas: Introduction, God, Man/Universe, Salvation/Afterlife, Morals, Worship.
Important Views of Spiritualism World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Spiritualism in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of The Unification Church World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of The Unification Church in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of The Way International World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of The Way International in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
Important Views of Unity World Religions Index Table on Major Cults: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major cults. This article explores the subject of Unity in seven areas: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation, Retribution.
In the Valley of Tears (Egypt) Timothy Abraham: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
Index to this Mormonism site: Topical index to Dr. Davis' documents on mormonism. An alternativie method of accessing these materials.
An Introduction to Major World Religions World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: This article is part of the World Religions Index Table on major world religions. This article explores the subject of An Introduction to World Religions: Biblical Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Primitive Religion.
Is Mormonism Christian?: This is a series of documents about Mormonism, written by a Christian professor who is an ex-Mormon. It compares essential Mormon and Christian doctrines.
Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering? A Discussion Forum with Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Dr. William Lane Craig, Dr. Bernard Leikind, and Dr. Jitendra Mohanty: On February 11, 1999, Drs. Ravi Zacharias, William Lane Craig, Bernard Leikind, and Jitendra Mohanty, explored the question, "Is there meaning in evil and suffering?" Visit the online RealMedia archive to hear this forum again.
Is Truth Just a Matter of Opinion? An Evaluation of the Ethics of Witchcraft and Pantheism: Explores the concept of absolute and relative truth specifically applied to pantheism and witchcraft. The major tenets of pantheism include moral relativism, reincarnation, personal autonomy and human divinity. Some popular expressions of pantheism include witchcraft, the New Age, Hinduism, the Star Wars film trilogy, and most occult-based religious systems.
Islam Parveen Singh: A broad study of Islam, looking at its background, origins, pillars of faith, articles of faith, and differing viewpoints on the Person of Jesus Christ.
Islam Partially Perceived First Things, January 1996: Bernard Lewis reviews "The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World" (4 vols.) which is edited by Joseph Esposito.
Islam and Democracy First Things, January 1997: Book Review of "Islam and Democracy" by John L. Esposito and John O. VolI. Reviewed by Joshua Muravchik. Are Muslims capable of democratic rule? How democratic are Islamic countries now?
Israel's History Written in Advance Rich Milne: In the Old Testament, God made many predictions about nations and cities and their fate. With remarkable accuracy, archeology shows that in every case, what God predicted would happen even hundreds of years later, came to pass. That the Jews still exist is an amazing testimony to God's faithfulness even as He judged the nations around them.
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Trinity Patrick Zukeran: This essay defends the doctrine of the Trinity and teaches Christians how they can refute the basic arguments JW's use to disprove the Trinity.
Jehovah's Witnesses: Witnessing to the Witnesses Patrick Zukeran: This work gives Christians four simple arguments to use when witnessing to those in the JW organization: the record of false prophecy, the name Jehovah, the Resurrection of of Jesus' body, and the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ is Lord (Pakistan) Paul (Kashif): The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Jews as the Christians Saw Them First Things, May 1997: The Holocaust and the founding of the state of Israel were occasions by which Christians were forced to reconsider their relations with Jews. The author reveals the original attitudes about Jews and Judaism that pervaded the early Church.
John Hick's Pluralistic Hypothesis and the Problem of Conflicting Truth-Claims Keith E. Johnson: What is one to make of myriad of religions that exist in the world today? For many years philosopher John Hick found this question disturbing. Does Hick's hypothesis offer an adequate solution to the problem of the conflicting truth-claims of various religions?
Joseph Smith: statements about himself: Joseph Smith boasted that he was greater than or equal to Jesus Christ and the original apostles.
Judaism or Jewishness First Things, June/July 1997: The author traces the series of historical efforts by which Jews sought to gain equality in America. Did this effort culminate in an effort to secularize American institutions?
LDS arguments: Leaders not speaking for God?: Mormon arguments about Christians deriving LDS doctrine from statements by church leaders. How Mormons explain their leaders were not always speaking for God.
LDS: The Only True Church?: Mormon leaders have stated that their church is the only true church, that all other Christians are apostate since the first century.
Law of Moses, Law of Nature First Things, February 1996: The author outlines three political events which define the modern Jewish experience: Jewish citizenship in nation-states, the Holocaust, and the founding of the state of Israel. Each of these events is tied to an understanding of natural law. How does
Looking for God: The atheism of modern times is becoming passe. Young people know there is a God; they just don't know who He is. This article introduces the God of the Bible.
Love, Hate, and Jewish Identity First Things, November 1997: The author traces Jewish identity through modernity. He considers many historical and social factors as he concludes that the Jews have moved away from their religious heritage, the very thing that made them unique, in favor of secular principles.
Measuring Morality: A Comparison of Ethical Systems Erwin Lutzer: What makes an action right or wrong? The answer to this question, when asked of various ethical systems, helps sort through the maze of beliefs that muddy the ethical waters. A condensation of Erwin Lutzer's book "Measuring Morality: A Comparison of Ethical Systems."
Ministering to Muslims Charles D. Egal: The author has been serving as a missionary in a Muslim country. He has attempted to apply the principles in this article and has found them to be helpful.
Modern-Day Mormon Revelation: The importance of modern, latter-day revelation in Mormon theology. Mormons claim additional revelation comes through their Prophets and Leaders.
Mormon Beliefs about Prophecy, Heaven, and Celestial Marriage Russ Wise: Demonstrates some ways in which Mormonism cannot be true because of false prophecies. Also examines their beliefs about three levels of heaven, and the concept of being married for eternity, even though scripture contradicts these doctrines.
Mormon Beliefs about the Bible and Salvation Russ Wise: Examines Mormon doctrine about the Bible, Mormon scriptures, and salvation.
Mormon Books and Leaders: The Mormon Church has its own literature and a long history of leaders. Important literature and leaders are listed here.
Mormon Teaching about the Nature of God: Main page for comparison of Mormon and biblical doctrine about the nature of God.
Mormon Terminology: Definitions of important Biblical terms as used by Mormons. They may speak a familiar language, but the words have very different meanings than for Christians.
Mormon Testing By Feeling: The Mormon Test for Truthfulness - how the Book of Mormon and Mormons want you can determine whether it is true.
Mormon or Christian: What Mormon leaders and prophets say about their church compared to Christian churches and denominations.
Mormon vs Biblical Teachings about Jesus: Main page for comparison of Mormon and Biblical doctrines concerning Jesus Christ.
Mormon vs Biblical Teachings about Man: Main page Comparing Mormon and Biblical doctrines about man.
My Personal Conversion to Christ Parveen Singh: The personal testimony of a former Hindu who converted to Christianity.
My Testimony Randy Koonce: The story of someone coming out of a Mormon background.
The New Age Movement Kerby Anderson: Brief summary of the New Age Movement with a biblical evaluation of each major tenet.
The New Age Movement Dr. Bob Pyne: An evaluation of what characterizes New Age thought from a biblically Christian perspective.
Nietzsche: The Ethics of an Immoralist First Things, February 1996: The strongest defenses of Nietzsche at one time came from the right. Now relativists and skeptics of all persuasions admire his ways of not knowing. In his book "Nietzsche: The Ethics of an Immoralist," Peter Berkowitz provides a fresh look at this (n
Non-Mormon References: References to materials cited. These are non-mormon sources.
Not So Christian America First Things, October 1996: Should America be considered a religious or secular society? Polls indicate that many Americans claim to believe in bibllical truths and yet think human choices should be made apart from those beliefs. Is religion in America simply another convenience?
Omens of Millenium First Things, February 1997: "Omens of Millenium: The Gnosis of Angels, Dreams and Resurrection" was written by Harold Bloom and reviewed by John J. Reilly. The author examines how current popular spiritual themes such as angels and near death experiences are tied to ancient Gnostic
The Ordinary Transformed First Things, March 1996: "The Ordinary Transformed: An Inquiry into the Christian Vision of Transcendence" is a book by R. R. Reno. It is reviewed here by Robert W. Jenson. The author addresses what he considers a major struggle of modernity: the clash between otherworldliness
Other Problems With Mormonism: There are many other problems with Mormonism which I cannot cover here. This is a list of important topics that should be researched carefully by anyone interested in Mormonism.
The Path to Jesus (Iraq) Athanasios Abdul Rahman: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
Paul and the Mystery Religions: This essay argues against the strong dependency view that claims that the Apostle Paul borrowed religious ideas from the pagan mystery religions.
Politically Incorrect Salvation William Lane Craig: Contemporary religious pluralism regards the traditional Christian doctrine of salvation through Christ alone as unconscionable. The problem seems to be that the existence of an all-loving and all-powerful God seems incompatible with the claim that persons who do not hear and embrace the gospel of salvation through Christ will be damned. Closer analysis reveals the problem to be counterfactual in nature: God could not condemn persons who, though freely rejecting God's sufficient grace for salvation revealed through nature and conscience, would have received His salvific grace mediated through the gospel. In response, it may be pointed out that God's being all-powerful does not guarantee that He can create a world in which all persons freely embrace His salvation and that His being all-loving does not entail that, even if such a world were feasible for Him, God would prefer such a world over a world in which some persons freely reject His salvation. Furthermore, it is possible that God has created a world having an optimal balance between saved and lost and that God has so providentially ordered the world that those who fail to hear the gospel and be saved would not have freely responded affirmatively to it even if they had heard it.
Probe Answers Our E-Mail: Satanism: Answers the charge, 'Satanism Has Nothing to Do With Satan!'
The Public Square: Jews for Jesus, Established A.D. 32 First Things, December 1996: Much controversy surrounded the recent statement by the Southern Baptist Convention on the importance of evangelizing to Jews. Should this be a part of the Christian mission? If so, what means are both appropriate and respectful?
The Quest for God First Things, October 1996: "The Quest for God" by Paul Johnson is reviewed in this article be Roger Kimball. Unlike Johnson's historical works, this volume portrays the story of his own personal faith. It provides insight into this gifted writer who has consistently opposed the
References for Mormon and Biblical Beliefs about God: Comparison of Mormon and biblical doctrine about the nature of God.
References for Mormon and Biblical Beliefs about Man: Comparison of Mormon and Biblical doctrines about man.
References: Mormon vs Biblical Teachings about Jesus: Comparison of Mormon and Biblical doctrines concerning Jesus Christ.
References: Mormon vs Biblical Teachings about Salvation: Comparison of Mormon and Biblical doctrines about salvation.
Reincarnation and the Message of Jesus Douglas Groothuis: A brief look at the issue of reincarnation, particularly in light of the Christian doctrine of grace and forgiveness, by Douglass Groothuis, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Denver Seminary.
Religion and State in the American Jewish Experience First Things, October 1997: Authors Jonathon D. Sarna and David G. Dalin argue in their new book, "Religion and State in the American Jewish Experience," that the Jewish movement toward the separationist position has not always been this way. Reviewed by Elliot Abrams.
The Religious Origins of the French Revolution First Things, February 1997: "The Religious Origins of the French Revolution: From Calvin to the Civil Constitution, 1560-1791" is authored by Dale K. Van Kley. It is reviewed here by Norman Ravitch. Did the Reformation or the Enlightenment lead to the French Revolution?
A Reply to Richard John Neuhaus First Things, February 1996: Both Christians and non-Christians think critically. Christians, however, begin with a different premise and therefore end with a different conclusion. This essay was written as a response to a previously written article.
The Road to Xenu Margery Wakefield: The story of someone coming out of a Scientology background.
Robert Graham, S.J. First Things, June/July 1997: Father Robert Graham, S.J. was a tireless defender of Pope Pius XII against accusations of indifference toward the fate of Jews in World War II. Several years after his death, the Pope became the target of vehement criticism in this regard.
Roundup of Books on Waco First Things, February 1996: Dean M. Kelley reviews four books on the subject of the Waco-Branch Davidian incident. Did the government tell the entire story about its confrontation with David Koresh and his followers? These books do not necessarily answer this and other relevant qu
Salvations: Truth and Difference in Religion First Things, January 1996: "Salvations: Truth and Difference in Religion" was written by S. Mark Helm and reviewed by Paul J. Griffiths. A perennial question for Christianity has to do with the status of other religions and their members.
Satanism: The World of the Occult Russ Wise: A look at the attrctions into Satanism and the occult from a Christian perspective.
Saved While on a Mormon Mission Christopher Nyman: The story of someone coming out of a Mormon background.
Saved from the Occult Everett Miller: The story of someone coming out of an occult background.
The Story of Abdul Saleeb Abdul Saleeb: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of Adel Mohammed El Naggar (Egypt) Adel Mohammed El Naggar: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of Aishah Aishah: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of B. Abraham Pastor B. Abraham: The story of someone coming out of a Hindu background.
The Story of Bassam (Middle East) Bassam: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of Garba Adamu (Nigeria) Garba Adamu: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of Mohammad (Pakistan) Mohammad: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of Sara (Iran) Sara: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of Walid (Palestine) Walid: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
The Story of Zia Nodrat Fellowship of Faith: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
Table of Mormon Teaching about God: Table Comparing Mormon and biblical doctrine about the nature of God.
Table of Mormon and Biblical Teachings about Man: Table Comparing Mormon and Biblical doctrines about man.
Table: Mormon vs Biblical Teachings about Jesus: Table Comparing Mormon and Biblical doctrines concerning Jesus Christ.
Table: Mormon vs Biblical Teachings about Salvation: Table Comparing Mormon and Biblical doctrines about salvation.
The Testimony of My Life V. S.: The story of someone coming out of an Islamic background.
That They May All Be One First Things, January 1997: Pope John Paul II's encyclical letter "Ut Unum Sint" stresses the importance of overcoming differences between Christian sects. What practical and theoretical differences still remain between Catholics and Evangelicals and how may they be overcome?
A Three-Pronged Defense of Salvific Exclusivism in a World of Religions Brad Johnson: The author defines and examines the basic arguments behind the classical approaches to other religions, exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism. Of primary interest are the validity of inherent "truth claims" in each religion. He concludes that, within a Christian paradigm, a re-defined exclusivisism meets an established philosophical, biblical, and ethical criteria, thus providing reasonability and warrant.
To Be A Prophet for the People First Things, January 1996: In the late twelfth century, Moroccan Jews were faced with a terrible choice: affirm Islam or perish. But could those who had publicly renounced their faith under persecution still practice it privately and remain a Jew in good standing?
Truth or Tolerance? Scott Scruggs: There are terrible implications if truth is relative instead of absolute. Tolerance has become the ultimate virtue, especially on university campuses. A Christian response to this alarming trend.
Unity School of Christianity Russ Wise: The Unity School of Christianity is a classic new age cult. It has the appearance of being Christian; however, it holds pantheistic or New Age beliefs at its core.
Values, Virtues, and John Paul II First Things, April 1997: Today politicians of every stripe seek to promote "values." But the term "values" itself is a problematic one. Pope John Paul II speaks of "values" fairly frequently. What does he mean when he uses this term?
We Learned How to Overcome the Adversary in Jesus' Name: Spiritual warfare, or dealing with the demonic, is a topic that is often avoided. Yet it is an ever-present reality for all front-line soldiers in the army of God. Here is one missionary's account of how the Lord led him and his wife into waging battle with the enemy - and triumphing over his deceptive tactics. Their experiences in Indonesia and the United States are crucial for anyone preparing for the ministry.
What Is Islam? Rick Rood: The history, current status, basic beliefs and practices of Islam are surveyed. Also, a Christian response to Islam is offered.
What Mormons Say About the Bible: What Mormon leaders and prophets have said about the Bible, how they compare it to the Book of Mormon.
When Words Kill First Things, June/July 1996: Jewish law, tradition and sentiment demand the protection of each human life at virtually any cost. The author examines this principle in an historical context and even relates it to the assasination of Yitzhak Rabin.
Why America Needs Religion First Things, April 1997: A secular humanist comes to believe that religion is necessary for civil life while writing a book on modern society. Reviewer J. Budziszewski. "Why America Needs Religion: Secular Modernity and its Discontents" by Guenter Lewy.
Why I am Christian Athanasios AbdulRahman: A follower of Jesus from an Islamic background explains: "The main reason why I am a Christian is because God called me. I saw Jesus in a vision and he lead me to himself. This article is to clarify why I follow Jesus the Christ, our Lord, who died on the cross and in the third day has risen from the dead."
Why We Can Get Along First Things, February 1996: The author points out the fine distinctions in the relationship between critical thinking, religious belief and tolerance. This essay was written in response to a previously published essay.
Why We Can't All Just Get Along First Things, February 1996: Liberalism neither accepts faith nor God as standards for thought. Without any such restrictions, all questions are open. But are those who do believe in God allowed to participate in public discussions, or has their faith marginalized them? How tolera
Why a Moral Life Won't Get Us to Heaven Jimmy Williams: "Won't a good, moral life get me to heaven?" The answer is no, and the author spells out why, including how we CAN get to heaven.
World Religions Index Table on Cults: Explore major cults across a grid of major subjects. See what different cults believe about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Sin, Redemption, Salvation and Retribution. A table with links that will take you to data on Biblical Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, Unity, and the Unification Church.
World Religions Index Table on Major World Religions: Explore major world religions across a grid of major subjects. See what different world religions believe about God, Man and the Universe, Salvation and the Afterlife, Morality, and Worship. A table with links that will take you to data on Biblical Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Primitive Religion.
A word to Mormons about this site: My intention is for this material to challenge Mormons, not insult them. The Bible warns of false prophets and of ways to test for them.