This brief and concise handbook on "World Religions" will examine and survey the history and origins of seven non-Christian religions that are vastly different from Christianity in many ways. These religions that will be investigated include: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, and Islam. There are many so-called "Christian" religions that exist in our world today, such as, The Jehovah Witnesses, Mormonism, Christian Science, The Way International, and the World-wide Church of God. In these so called "Christian" religions, Jesus is regarded as a central figure. The reason that this examination is necessary is that, in all of these seven non-Christian religions, Jesus Christ is NOT a central part of their teaching or doctrine. At most, as in Islam, Jesus is regarded as just a prophet, a good moral teacher, or as just another historical figure for most non-Christian religions. In light of this reason, we feel it is a worthy investigation to examine and survey these seven religions in which Christ has no special significant part to play. This concise study will examine the nature and origins of these seven world religions, their basic doctrines and beliefs, and will look at their historical roots, and the results of their impact upon the world. Also, we will examine "how" their central teachings and doctrines differ from historical Christianity. It is the authors hope that the reader will gain some new insights as to the religious nature of man, and see how the search for real meaning and true religion has manifested itself in many different forms throughout history. This handbook is a MUST READ for everyone seeking understanding of how Christianity is uniquely different from these other seven major world religions.
