How far can Christians go in dialogue with other faiths? What really is a religion? Can we judge other religions by our own values? What traps should be avoided in studying belief systems?

Terry Muck, a leading comparative religion scholar, answers these questions in an evangelical Christian's guide to the study of world faiths.

Students in comparative religion can choose from among several comprehensive studies, yet no major work approaches the subject with evangelicals in mind. The Mysterious Beyond fills that gap with information that does not replace, but rather supplements, other studies.

Part 1 introduces the study of religious experience, noting ways to define religions and perspectives for studying them.

Part 2 explains skills and study techniques. The author relates religion to culture and teaches the use of sources for observing a

religion and its people.

Part 3 identifies and discusses the most debated issues of the study of religions.

The reader learns how to get information and use it thoughtfully for missions, apologetics, and mutual understanding without syncretism.