WHAT ABOUT OTHER FAITHS?
By Martin Goldsmith
Hodder & Stoughton. 186 pages. £6.99
ISBN 0 340 86150 9
There was a time when people of other faiths were safely on the other side of the world. Today they live in our street. Martin Goldsmith has therefore given us a much-needed little book.
The book sets out to give a brief overview of some of the basic doctrines of other faiths, and to show how at times they are similar to Christianity and at times radically different. Goldsmith says that we tend to swing between labelling other faiths as demonic or true. He suggests that we should see them as both demonic and true. True in that all religions have some kernel of truth in them, but demonic in that they ultimately lead people away from Christ.
On the question of whether people need to consciously profess Christ as Lord and Saviour to be saved, Goldsmith is helpful and sensitive. He affirms very strongly that salvation comes only through faith in Christ, whilst recognising that in some cases such faith may be inadequately expressed and yet still be a mark of regeneration.
Goldsmith's wide experience of other faiths informs and illuminates this book. While not all evangelicals will agree with everything that is said, it provides a helpful, humble and attractive model of interaction with our friends from other faiths.
Peter Comont,
Magdalen Road Evangelical Church, Oxford
