Robley E. Whitson

An older Catholic book, which is a good guide to what other religions are about. Whitson does this by selecting texts from various Christian points of view, as well as a brief introduction to some key writings from other faiths. His primary texts from Christianity are, besides the First Epistle of John, the writings of St. Augustine, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and St. Jon of the Cross. He does not mention more modern classics.

For other faiths, I found very useful his exploration of dualism in Zoroastrianism and its legacy for all faiths who developed anywhere near Persia (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). He also takes up the question and asks whether Confucianism is religious, and answers that in the affirmative, despite many who believe otherwise. He also looks at the religion of Ancient Egypt, and at Taoism and Buddhism. There is virtually nothing on Shinto, Native traditions, or women.… (meer)