The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message - Jesus Among Other Gods

Ravi Zacharias book is a masterpiece that qualifies to be placed at every christian seminary and college's library so that every student of the word may not miss a chance to lay his/her hands on it and not put it down until the last page is read.

The subtitle of this book is The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message, which about sums it up. Zacharias takes a comparative religions approach to Christianity, though there's never a moment's doubt about which side he is on. He deals primarily with atheism and materialism, but also touches on Christian distinctives over and against New Age pantheism, Islam, Buddhism, and particularly Hinduism.

The best word I can think of to describe this book is uneven. Zacharias' writing style leaves a lot to be desired: it's weighted down with unnecessarily dense vocabulary and inverted grammar reminiscent of other Asian lecturers I've heard. Nor is his structure clear. The book seems to be less a series of interlocked arguments leading toward a single point and more a collection of essays on a similar theme. There were times when I was not even sure what he was talking about. But he punctuates his bewildering verbiage with interesting illustrations and allusions, and every so often a really brilliant paragraph will come along. In content he is more firm: chapter after chapter drives home the unique person of Jesus Christ and the irrational paucity of any other answer. The book was interesting, but leaves me wanting something better. The blurb on the back comparing him to C.S. Lewis is, unfortunately, a bit off. Lewis's work provides a good deal more foundation for mature, carefully reasoned thought.

Ravi Zacharias has such detailed insight into other religions that his comparison to Christ as the one and only God among other gods makes perfect sense. I am never disappointed in any of his writings.

Ravi gives several extended examples of the uniqueness of Christ and backs up his reasoning clearly and effectively. The chapter focusing on Jesus' silence during his crucifixion trial was particularly insightful. Great read!

The chapter on the source of pain and suffering was very informative. Every Christian ould be able to adequately answer questions about the role and will of god in man's many difficulties in the areas of pain and suffering.

Bought the DVD study and book. Packed with truth and logic. Four lessons will take at least eight meetings to truly cover. Have a dictionary handy. On Kindle edition, you can get definitions just by selecting the word. I must admit, I used it more than I thought I would. You should get college credit for this study but no fear, it is a joy to read and watch.

I've read many previous reviews that object to the fact that this is "not a true comparative study" or that it is "not objective and biased". Please remember that the title is "Jesus Among Other Gods" not "A bunch of Other Gods"--it was Ravi's intention to place Jesus as the centerpoint of the conversation, and this fact was even disclosed in the opening chapter. There are many great books out there that are created to objectively contrast the world religions, but this is not one of those books. I would especially recommend this book to an analytical Christian who may have been brought up as a Christian and who is searching for answers to the question "Why do I believe what I believe?". In America, this is a widely prolific problem, from my perspective. Again, if this book is read and evaluated in its proper context, it is a wonderful work that will offer insight after insight.

Ravi is a apologist preacher and is very intelligent so, therefore, the book was very deep reading. He looks at the gods of other religions, which gives a better understanding of those religions. His purpose, though, is to show that Jesus who was God in the flesh died to redeem mankind, but rose from the grave and went back to Heaven to live with the Heavenly Father, God (His Father) and in so doing conquered the grave for us. The grave for those who know Christ as the Savior is the gateway into eternal life.

Jesus is Someone who is referenced somehow by practically every religion in the world. From Hindus to Muslims and the cults based in America, there is no doubt that having Jesus as part of one's theology is vital. In this book Ravi Zacharias explains whether or not there is any valid claim to truth and Christ in any other religion but Christianity. Ravi has good stories to tell, writing like an expository preacher with clear, easy-to-understand points. His illustrations are vivid. I guess my only complaint is that he could have tackled the "absolute claims of the Christian message" via a more systematic breakdown with each particular religion. He was continually referring to the Buddhist, Hindu, and others (especially with pantheist ideas), but unless you had previous knowledge of these religions and what they taught, it would seem that the typical layperson would have had trouble keeping up. Still, while it does not get too deep, there is plenty of meat here, and I think the book is very much worth a read. Ravi is a clear evangelical voice in the wilderness, and I appreciate his logic and stand for truth.