Eavesdrop on an imaginary conversation between Jesus and another great thinker whose quest for life's meaning has influenced millions---Gautama Buddha! In the first volume of the Conversations with Jesus series, master apologist Zacharias creates a captivating scenario that sheds light on God's true nature and Jesus' impassioned concern for all people. Great for seekers! 96 pages, hardcover from Multnomah.
Have you ever wondered what Jesus would say to Mohammed? Or Buddha? Or Oscar Wilde? Maybe you have a friend who practices another religion or admires a more contemporary figure. Drop in on a conversation between Jesus and some well-known individuals whose search for the meaning of life took them in many directions -- and influenced millions. Popular scholar Ravi Zacharias sets a captivating scene in this first in the intriguing Conversations with Jesus books. Through dialogue between Christ and Gautama Buddha that reveals Jesus' warm, impassioned concern for all people, God's true nature is explored. It's a well-priced, hard cover volume readers will want to own, and also share with others.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
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4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Will Li (Clarksville, IN), January 24, 2010
Ravi has certainly done his research when compiling this piece. As always, Ravi hits the important points showing the diametrically opposed worldviews in their clear perspectives. The only part of the book that falters is the adolescent attitude of Budda. Jesus is portrayed in his serene calm and thoughtful demeanor while Budda is suffering from some childish characteristics. Although the facts are as clear as day, the character portrayals could of been more refined.
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cheryl (St.John's, Newfoundland), November 20, 2008
I started reading the book with an open mind but is disappointed with Ravi's interpretation of Buddhism. I am a Buddhist and when I read Ravi's answer as "Buddha", I felt suffocated as it is portrayed in such a "black and white" mannerism. I certainly feel Ravi is biased if not shallow in his knowledge of Buddhism.
2 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeffrey (Gainesville, FL), December 26, 2006
It’s obvious that this book is biased and written with the objective of further glorifying the great Son of God. Zacharias' treatment of his "respectful" dialogue drives the Christian perspective home while leaving the heart of Buddhist concepts drifting in the air. If you are interested in Buddhism this book is not for you. Zacharias' presentation of Buddhism is misleading only to further exemplify the righteousness of Christianity. If you are interested in Christianity this book will further indoctrinate you. What bothers me most about the book is that while Jesus may have been so pompous to argue about their differences, which I don’t actually believe he would, you miss out on the heart of both of the religion's message; love and compassion.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Nate (Somerset New Jersey), February 08, 2006
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning about Buddhisim and Christianity. It will bring any reader up to speed on the differences between the two religions, while at the same time allowing the reader to find ways to share with Buddhist. I highly recommend this book.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Matt (Sioux Falls), July 08, 2004
A wonderful book for Christians wanting to know more about Buddhism and for Buddhists who want to know more about Christianity.
I converted from Buddhism to Christianity as a freshman in high school. Ever since then I have been going around teaching Christians about Buddhism and about how to witness to Buddhists. I was absolutely thrilled when I came across Zacharias's book because he did exactly what I had been doing for years. While Zacharias doesn't go into the nuances of all the different forms of Buddhism, he does capture Buddhism's essence, and then does a masterful job showing the supremecy of Christ's Gospel over Buddha's work's righteousness.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by John (Woodland, Ca), February 17, 2003
Great read and information regarding the differences, fun read as much as it is very thought provoking.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ron Rogers (Las Vegas, NV), January 20, 2003
Really good! I love the dialogue thing. I would be interested in how Buddhists respond. I don't know many but the ones I do know I think I understand just a little bit better now how they think. I'll be passing this little one- hour-book along to Buddhists and get their opinion.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sue (Morgantown, WV), December 27, 2001
Only a man lead by the Holy Spirit as Ravi Zacharias is can write a book like this. It is beautifully written and is touching. You might want to have a little bit of knowledge of Buddhism to get a few of the points but I think it presents the differences in a very clear manner. Overall, a wonderful book and I look forward to the next in this seris.
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