James E. Bear

Book Review: The World's Religions

T H I S is a reprint of an English book first published in 1950. Seven great religious systems, Animism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, and Confucianism, are sketched by scholars personally a c q u a i n t e d with their fields. The history and philosophy of these religions is presented in an interesting and u n d e r s t a n d a b l e form. There is no attempt in the various chapters to criticize these religions from the Christian point of view, but the Epilogue of the book faces the question in the minds of many: If these religions have some good in them, and if they are sincerely believed, are they not roads to God? The writer points out that the good and evil in these religions are really a united system of religion, and the system (in spite of whatever good is in it,) is antagonistic to the revelation of God in Christ. The Christian for his knowledge of God and for salvation rests on Christ who lived and died and rose and is coming again to complete the victory of God. This is a book which can be recommended to laymen and others who desire an understandable book on world religions.

Book Review: Submission in Suffering, and other Essays on Eastern Thought

D R . ROWLEY, widely known for his biblical studies, has here brought together three monographs springing from his interest in Eastern thought gained during his missionary service in China. The first surveys the attitude of Chinese, Indian, Islamic, and biblical thought towards the problem of suffering, and finds in the attitude of Christ towards the cross the key which unlocks its deepest meaning. The second monograph discusses the teachings of the Chinese sages which suggest parallels to the golden rule of Jesus. The third is on the Chinese philosopher, Mo Ti, whose work has been but little known till recently, but is one of Chinas greatest thinkers. This book is thus a valuable contribution to our understanding of the thought of the East.