James A. Beverley – författare

Understand the Religions of the World from Christian Perspective and Be Equipped to Engage their AdherentsChristians live their faith more than ever in a pluralistic religious context. How should a Christian respond to the complex spiritual alternatives available today? Are all religions the same? Does the New Age fulfill the second coming of Jesus? Is Sun Myung Moon sinless? Is Islam a religion of peace? Is Mormonism true? Is Scientology a religion? How does the Dalai Lama view Jesus? Do witches worship Satan? Is the pope infallible? These and other crucial issues are examined in Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions.Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions covers more than 200 religions, sects, and cults, most of them ones the reader might encounter on any given day. Key features include: Historical information on each major religion with detailed timelinesProfiles of each group’s primary leadersAn inventory of key principles and beliefs of each religionAn analysis and critique of religions from a Christian perspectiveOpinion and commentary on the controversial issues related to specific religious groupsRecommended resources— bibliographic information and extensive Internet sources for further studyNew groups explored—including The Lord Is Our Righteousness Church and the Sold-Out Discipling MovementTen Tests for Truth in Religions—a set of multifaceted tests that Christians should apply when approaching the faith traditions of others—and their own faith This volume offers both description and evaluation of the hundreds of religions in today’s spiritual marketplace and provides basic data on the major world religions:Baha’iBuddhismChristianityHinduismIslamJudaismNew AgeSikhism.Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions also explores the major divisions within Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism) and provides an introduction to over twenty-five Protestant denominations. The book examines famous sectarian movements including: the Branch Davidian, Christian Scientist, Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, and Unification Church movements. The occult worlds of Witchcraft and Satanism are analyzed as well.In addition to basic information, the reader has access to critical analysis of the controversies that arise in the debates about various religious groups and leaders. The author addresses the new evangelical-Mormon dialogue, the Emergent Church controversy, Local Church debates, Catholic-Evangelical tensions, the integrity of Seventh-day Adventism, the crimes of David Koresh, controversies over Muhammad, the extent of satanic ritual abuse, and much more.Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions is based on Professor James Beverley’s thirty years of research and frontline investigation of world and new religions. He has had face-to-face encounters with some of the world’s most influential religious leaders, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Beverley has observed witchcraft rituals in Africa, conversed with Muslim leaders in Syria and Lebanon, visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar, seen Hindu ceremonies along the Ganges, had private meetings with cult leaders throughout North America, and consulted with leading scholars all over the world. Professor Beverley is frequently interviewed by the media for his knowledge of religions and has served as an expert witness in both civil and criminal trials.Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions is a comprehensive and engaging Christian guide to world religions and is ideal for students as well as the laypeople in the church.

A quick but thorough introduction to the culture, history, and practices of the world's second largest religion!What Muslims really believe about God, the world, and their place in itHow Muhammad established a religion that now stretches around the worldThe meaning of Jihad, and how it fits into Islamic teachingThe role of terrorism in an Islamic worldviewThe place of women in the Muslim worldWhy Palestine continues to be a point of contention with the Muslim peopleHow Christians should relate to people from Muslim countriesAlso includes:20 recently asked questions about IslamGlossary of key termsList of resources

A complete, easy-to-use handbook of the origins, basic beliefs, and defining features of the world's religions, cults, and sects and how each of them compares with Christianity. Written with the Christian in mind, these profiles provide the reader with the fundamentals of today's religions, from the oldest and most common—like Judaism and Islam—to obscure sects you may not have heard of—such as the Eckankar cult and The Army of Mary.James Beverley has formally studied the world's religions for over 25 years. He is interested in how to understand these traditions and movements in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. From the Anabaptists to the Zen movement, Religions A to Z covers:World and new religions.Major Protestant denominations with a quick guide to their theological differences.Various other movements or trends within larger religious traditions.This book will help all Christians—from the new believer to the seasoned pastor—better understand the religions, cults, and sects around them.

An essential and succinct introduction to the culture, history, and practices of the world's second largest religion. Next to Christianity, Islam is the largest religion in the world. One out of every six people in the world is Muslim. Like Christianity, it's monotheistic (belief in one God), it has a holy text, and an ethical or religious law. Like Christians, Muslims are devoted to religious activities like prayer and fasting. And yet, many Christians feel at a loss to understand this neighboring system of faith.Professor James A. Beverley provides answers to questions many Christians have about Islam in this short and readable book. Islam clearly lays out responses to topics such as:What Muslims think about God, the world, and their place in it.How Muhammad established a religion that now stretches around the world.How different groups within Islam define Jihad.Why Palestine is important to Muslims.What roles women play in different Islamic communities.And how Christians should relate to Muslims.Features include: Glossary of terms related to IslamA list of Frequently Asked Questions for easy referenceTopical bibliography for further study