Book Review

Jesus Among Other Gods
Ravi Zacharias.
© 2000. Word Publishing, Nashville.
 

Review by Jo van Leerdam

Ravi Zacharias begins by sharing his experience of growing up in India and searching for answers to his questions about the meaning of life and the nature of truth. Experiencing “depths of emptiness” and a “wistful yearning to be free”, his testimony attests to the fact that the answers were only to be found in Jesus Christ.

This book delivers comparative religion in a modern context, with a focus on Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism because they draw the largest followings around the world. More than just describing what these other faiths believe, Zacharias contrasts these religions with Christianity and explains why they are incompatible with the teaching of the Bible and with the Jesus whom we find there.

His message is very relevant to Christians in post-modern western society. Zacharias makes it clear that in the ‘supermarket of religions’ available to us today, all religions are not equal. Popular culture calls for tolerance and acceptance of one religion being as valid as another. However, Zacharias points out that Jesus asserted that there is only one way to find God, and that He was the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). This being true, it excludes other religions from being either true or valid.

Youth in particular are inclined to question everything and seek truth, yet it is extremely difficult for a young person to understand what is really true when they are confronted with so many questions and so many opposing points of view from which they can seek answers. Some people never find answers that satisfy them, and spend their lives either avoiding the issue or living under false assumptions or teachings that deny them the comfort and joy of knowing Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Zacharias’ purpose in writing this book is to proclaim the absolute truth of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. “At a time in our cultural history when the West is looking more like the East, and the East is covertly trying to emulate the West, this is much needed. Religions are making a revival, but often as a hybrid of western marketing techniques and eastern mythology – a devastating combination of seduction through media and mysticism. The first casualty in such a mix is truth, and, consequently, the person of God.” (p.3-4)

Zacharias addresses common critical questions: Who was Jesus? How do we know his claims are true? What is faith? Is God responsible for my pain? Why doesn’t He give us all the answers? Zacharias uses the words of Jesus, historical evidence and logic to answer these questions and establish a convincing case for Christ.

This book is very interesting and thought provoking. The style is easy to read, and Zacharias communicates sometimes quite complex arguments in a manner that is easy to follow and understand.

Jesus Among Other Gods Youth Edition by Ravi Zacharias and Kevin Johnson addresses the same questions and issues as the general edition, but is more succinct. It uses more direct language, point form summaries and analogies with which the youth of today are familiar so that Zacharias’ message is more understandable and relevant to young people. It also makes use of headings and highlighted sections to make the book more “user friendly”.

I wholeheartedly recommend either edition of Jesus Among Other Gods for either individual or group use.

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