Book Review: Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions

When I saw this book listed at Thomas Nelson Publishers for review, I jumped at the chance to get a look at it first hand. I've always wanted a reference to world religions...something that provided a quick, basic summary of a wide variety of religions.

Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions provides just that: detailed summaries of the major religious practices found in modern times. Dr. Beverley basic information about the world religions, including historical information, basic practices and beliefs, and major players within the religion. This information by itself is worth the price of the book but Beverley goes further.
Beverly also provides analysis of each religion's beliefs from a Biblical and Christian perspective.

I found this reference to be just what I was hoping for: detailed, yet concise, information about the origins and history of each religion, the practices of its believers, and how these beliefs mesh with those taught by the Bible. Want some information about Mormonism? Turn to page 355. Buddhism? Page 47. Protestantism? Page 511. A varied and exhaustive list of religions, including the major branches of Christianity, are represented in this 850 page volume. My only complaint about the book: it’s a bit dry in its style but that’s kind of typical for a reference book.




**Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. The above review includes my true impressions about the book. In most cases, I do not keep the book (lack of storage space), but rather give it away in the next Goodwill box.