What Do They Believe?: A Systematic Theology of the Major Western Religions (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781953886118)

What do Jewish people believe? What do Muslims believe? Do you have answers ready for a Mormon or a Jehovah's Witness? Have you ever wished that other religions had systematic theology resources?

Now there is one! Using mostly original sources, What Do They Believe? will help you to get an accurate understanding of what other religions believe.

Michael Abd El-Massih, Founder and Executive Director of Arabic Bible Outreach Ministry:

"I was glued to your description of Islam and its teaching and kept reading and reading. Well done-you are an excellent writer and a researcher. I have read many books on Islam (at least 40 books or so, mostly in Arabic), and I can testify that the subject is well researched."

This book will quote original sources accepted as authoritative in each of the major Western religions or material generally accepted by most in that religion. People often study different religions in order to refute them. This book will attempt to explain what the belief systems are within the context of the religion, not the Christian context. The areas of focus will include the following:

1. View of Authority (Scriptures)

This section will address those documents or people that the religion believes are authoritative. Some of these authorities are considered to be God's Word. We will examine how these religions acquired these authorities, which may include the view of inspiration and how they believe God's Word is revealed. The view of authority is the starting point for any study of religion because it gives the parameters of its belief system.

2. View of God (Trinity)

This section will address the nature and attributes of God in general and how they disagree with biblical Christianity. More specifically, it will address the issues of the Godhead and view of the Trinity. The Trinity has become unique to Christianity in general; however, there are those that call themselves Christian that reject this doctrine.

3. View of Jesus Christ (Deity)

The view of Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of Christianity. Jesus Christ as God is unique to Christianity. However, since the early years of Christianity, there has been debate over both His deity and His humanity. Many so-called "Christians" argue these same issues today.

4. View of Sin (Man's Spiritual Condition)

The view of sin is essential to understanding a religion's view of salvation. The core issue is man's spiritual condition. Is man born spiritually dead, or is he born neutral, affected by his environment either to sin or to do good? How one views sin answers the question of how one views the purpose of salvation.

5. View of Salvation (How Does One Go to Heaven)

The view of salvation is the essential doctrine that differentiates biblical Christianity from all other religions. Therefore, it is the most important topic in the book of world religions and cults. Can a man work for his salvation?

6. View of Eternal State (Heaven and Hell)

The view of the eternal state is often the goal of salvation. Concepts of heaven, hell, and any other final judgment differ greatly from one religion to another.