Kenneth Richard Samples

This book does a wonderful job explaining the main figures of the world's largest religions = Krishna (Hinduism), The Buddha (Buddhism), Confucius (Confucianism), Mohammud (Islam), and, of course, Jesus (Christianity). Ken does a great job giving a concise history of the lives of these figures as well as the core of their teachings.

In each chapter, Ken talks about the places where each religion and Christianity find common ground to be used as opportunities for conversations. He also points show more out where they differ.

By the end of this book, you'll see that Jesus claims to be on a whole different level than the central figures of these other religions. They claim to be prophets and teachers, but still human. Jesus' claims to who he was go much further than that. And so does the evidence. show less

An excellent short introduction to Christian eschatology (study of the fate of the world and the fate of mankind i.e. end times prophesy and their interpretation, heaven and hell, the New Creation). The book concentrates on what Christians agree on (the second coming, final judgement, the new creation). It then explains the various areas of disagreement (pre-millennialism, amillennialism and so on) and gives the strengths and weaknesses of each position. Samples always emphasizes Christian show more unity when discussing this topic. Overall this is a very useful and valuable little book. show less

A detailed yet concise of the case for the Christian faith. Samples is a fine writer who can explain the tough questions about the existence of God, Jesus, salvation and the problem of evil with solid arguments from theology and philosophy without becoming lost in academic jargon. Samples is also careful to not strawman the objections to Christianity. Sadly, the September 19, 2008 review below is very much a strawman as it completely misrepresents the contents of the book (Either that or the show more reviewer is unfamiliar with abductive reasoning) before concluding with name calling. show less

A World of Difference compares the Christian theistic worldview with naturalism; so-called "postmodernism"; pantheistic monism; and Islamic theism, amongst other worldviews. It develops a logical framework through which Christians can "test" the philosophical underpinnings of their beliefs against other major world religions and belief systems. The appendix ("Worldview Charts") provides a helpful comparative synopsis of the concepts of God, World, Knowledge, Ethics, Human Beings, and History show more as expressed through each of these worldviews. Samples' book is well-researched and provides a helpful bibliography as well. show less