Should We Study Other Religions?

Elliot Clark has written an interesting article on why we need to read the Qur'an this year. Some Christians may disagree with what Clark has said while others might agree. When I read this post, the question came to my mind, should Christians study other religions?

The answer to that question is yes. Why should Christians study other religions? First, to know what they believe. Missionaries study the religions of the nation they are going to so they may know how to respond with the Gospel. Same is true for us in America. Some of us may not go into the mission field but we live in a pluralistic society where there are many different religions.

Second, to identify the differences between Christianity and other religions. Take Mormonism for example. Many people think Mormonism and Christianity are the same thing. When you look at the doctrine of the Mormon church and compare it to Christianity, you will realize there is no comparison. Jehovah's Witness is another example of a religion that sounds Christian, however, when you study, you will realize that it is not the same.

I do like to throw one of caution out there for new believers. As you begin your walk with Jesus, it is important for you to know the fundamentals of the faith and being rooted in Christ. If you want to study about other religions that, I recommend you do it with a mature believer. One thing about studying Christianity and world religions together as new believer could result in mixing them all together.

What about reading religious text such as the Qur'an and the Book of Mormon? I think Christians need to know what are in those texts not the sake of intellectual knowledge, but to know what other religions teach. We have a man in our church that is studying the Qur'an for the purpose of reaching Muslims.

Should a new believer read other religious texts? I don't think they should unless they are with a mature believer or studying with a group from their church.

Recommend Reading:

The Gospel for Muslims by Thabiti Anyabwile

Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson

10 Things Every Christian Should Know About Islam by Zane Pratt

How to Use the Back of a Napkin to Prove to a Jehovah’s Witness That Jesus Is God by Justin Taylor